Common Water Starwort
callitriche palustris
Also known as: ["Water Starwort","Marsh Callitriche"]
Overview
A small, aquatic or semi-aquatic plant with star-shaped leaves, typically found in ponds, streams, and wetlands.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Callitrichales |
| Family: | Callitrichaceae |
| Genus: | Callitriche |
| Botanical Name: | Callitriche palustris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: Pond, aquarium, or very wet bog garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"4–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–9"}
- Misting: Not applicable, as it thrives fully submerged
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; prefers consistently moist soil.
- Soil Type: Moist, loamy soil with good organic matter content; can tolerate slightly waterlogged conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once or twice a year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
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 midday sun; ideal for shaded garden beds or indoor areas with indirect light.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct sun; prefers shade; adjust placement based on light intensity.
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist, watering daily if necessary to prevent drying
Keep soil consistently moist; avoid waterlogging; water more frequently in warm conditions.
Soil
Not applicable, grows in water or very wet substrate
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist; amend with organic matter; ensure some drainage.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C); tolerates cooler conditions but avoid prolonged frost.
Protect from frost; avoid extreme heat; maintain moderate temperatures.
Fertilizing
Not required, as it is a submerged aquatic plant
Dilute fertilizer to prevent burn; fertilize during active growth; stop in winter.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take stem cuttings or divide rhizomes.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity and warmth.
- Wait for roots to develop.
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, loamy soil or water for stem cuttings; peat-based mix for rhizome division.
Hormone
Optional, but can help with root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, small pots, rooting hormone (optional), misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy parent plants; keep cuttings moist; provide warmth for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim back dead or yellowing leaves at the base; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance and health.
Tools
Clean scissors or small pruning shears.
Checklist
Remove dead leaves; sanitize tools; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches (2–5 cm) in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, moist soil with good drainage; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture daily; water when top inch feels dry; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency with seasons.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until water drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; water early in the day to minimize evaporation; allow excess water to drain away to prevent root rot.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water consistently to maintain consistently moist soil; increase frequency during dry periods or in hot weather; reduce slightly in winter but do not allow soil to dry out.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or peat moss to improve moisture retention; ensure some drainage with perlite or sand if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to dieback in severe cold.
Solution: Protect from frost with mulch or move to a sheltered location; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced vigor in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat, increase humidity, and water more frequently to keep soil cool.
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 every 4–6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCallitriche palustris is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCallitriche palustris is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion by canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCallitriche palustris is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic compounds or significant physiological effects associated with ingestion of this plant.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Callitriche palustris toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Where can Callitriche palustris be found in the wild?
A: It is commonly found in ponds, streams, and wetlands.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Callitriche palustris?
A: It is easy to care for with low maintenance requirements.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Callitrichaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | Keep soil consistently moist, |
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