Greater Stitchwort

stellaria holostea

Also known as: ["White Stitchwort","Starwort"]

Family: Caryophyllaceae Genus: Stellaria Category: Flowers

Overview

A delicate, herbaceous perennial with star-like white flowers and narrow leaves, native to Europe.

Benefits & Perks

["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Genus: Stellaria
Botanical Name: Stellaria holostea

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: woodland garden, shaded border, or naturalized area
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; slightly sandy is ideal.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun to prevent scorching; place in dappled shade outdoors; protect from intense midday sun indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or overwatering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

easy

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant for even light exposure; use sheer curtains to filter harsh sunlight; avoid placing near south-facing windows in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with some organic matter

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Use a mix of potting soil and perlite; avoid heavy clay soils; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); thrives in cooler spring and fall conditions.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; maintain consistent cool conditions; protect from frost.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer

Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; use organic options like compost tea.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings root easily in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Keep moist and warm.

Best Time: Early spring or late summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional changes.

Hormone

Not necessary but can speed up rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 4–6 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, misting spray bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep cuttings out of direct sun; change water regularly if using water propagation.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or trim stems just above a leaf node; remove leggy growth.

Pruning Plan

Light pruning to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; remove dead or damaged stems.

Tools

Clean pruning shears or scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

Move to a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter; avoid oversized pots.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if crowded; use fresh well-draining soil; ensure drainage holes are clear.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for rejuvenation.

Checklist

Check root health; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without wetting foliage.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with organic matter.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Low temperatures slow growth and can cause leaf damage or dieback if below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; protect from drafts; use a heat mat if temperatures drop below 50°F.

Hot Stress

Excessive heat leads to wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced flowering.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing of leaves in Stellaria holostea can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, leading to reduced photosynthetic efficiency and overall plant vigor.

Wilting in Stellaria holostea is typically a response to water stress, either due to drought or root damage, which can impair nutrient uptake and lead to plant decline.

Leaf spots on Stellaria holostea are commonly caused by fungal or bacterial infections, which can reduce photosynthetic area and, if severe, lead to defoliation.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, in Stellaria holostea is often caused by excessive moisture or fungal pathogens, leading to decay of plant tissues and potential death of the plant.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Stellaria holostea is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your cat if they consume any part of the plant, but it is not expected to cause harm.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Stellaria holostea is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of adverse effects from ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

Monitor your dog if they consume any part of the plant, but it is not expected to cause harm.
Humans
Non-toxic

Stellaria holostea, commonly known as stitchwort, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with its consumption.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

While non-toxic, it is advisable to avoid consuming large quantities of any wild plant unless properly identified and prepared.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Stellaria holostea toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?

A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

Q: What are the common problems with Stellaria holostea?

A: Common issues include yellow leaves, wilting, and fungal growth.

Quick Reference
Family: Caryophyllaceae
Care: easy
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days during activ
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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