Common Water Starwort
callitriche stagnalis
Also known as: ["Water Starwort","Stagnant Water Starwort"]
Overview
A small, aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with star-shaped leaves, typically found in still or slow-moving waters.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Callitrichales |
| Family: | Callitrichaceae |
| Genus: | Callitriche |
| Botanical Name: | Callitriche stagnalis |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: still or slow-moving freshwater environments, such as ponds or aquariums
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: not applicable
- Drainage: Moderate to slow-draining, but not waterlogged.
- Soil Type: Moist, rich, well-draining soil; can tolerate waterlogged conditions to some extent.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every few months or when dead foliage is present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning to remove unsightly or dead parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter conditions if moving from low light; protect from intense afternoon sun; ideal for shaded garden beds or indoor areas with indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide dappled light; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
constantly moist, never allowed to dry out
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
not applicable, grows in water
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist; avoid waterlogged conditions; enrich with organic matter.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cooler conditions but avoids extreme heat.
Keep in cool to moderate conditions; protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizing
not required, as it is a submerged aquatic plant
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in dormant periods.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take cuttings with at least two nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium or water.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; keep soil consistently moist.
Medium
Moist, well-draining soil or water for initial rooting.
Hormone
Optional, but can help speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots typically form in 2–4 weeks; new growth may appear in 4–6 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots or containers.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing leaves at the base; trim back overgrown stems to encourage bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Inspect for dead/damaged leaves; use clean tools; remove selectively to avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil; handle roots gently; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water evenly; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal issues; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water consistently to maintain moist soil; increase frequency during hot, dry periods; reduce in winter to prevent waterlogging.
Soil Improvement
Add organic matter like compost to improve fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat; browning leaf edges in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Protect from frost; move potted plants indoors; use mulch to insulate roots in ground plantings.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor due to excessive heat and dry conditions.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength; fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCallitriche stagnalis is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCallitriche stagnalis is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCallitriche stagnalis is not known to exhibit toxic properties to humans. It is generally considered safe for incidental contact and ingestion in small quantities.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Callitriche stagnalis suitable for aquariums?
A: Yes, it can be used in aquariums or as a marginal plant in water gardens.
Q: Does Callitriche stagnalis require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Q: Is Callitriche stagnalis invasive?
A: It is not typically considered invasive in most regions.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Callitrichaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | constantly moist, never allowe |
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