How to Care for a Sun Star Flower is a story by Hunker.
The sun star plant is more than capable of meeting the challenge when the garden cries out for exotic color.The South African bulb is a perennial in the U.S. Department of Agriculture.In late winter or spring, clusters of dainty, star-shaped spring blooms nod above the grassy leaves.Give easy-care orange sun star a sunny site with well-drained soil where its toxic compounds won't threaten children or pets.
The sun star's bulb has enough nutrition for its first growing season.If you want to encourage strong root development, you should work 2 ounces of 0-46-0 superphosphate into the surrounding 10 square feet of soil prior to planting.Sprinkle the granules evenly over the soil's surface and then water thoroughly.
Between the time its flowers fade and its new spring growth emerges, an established sun star benefits from light fertilization.It should be given with a half-strength solution of water-solublefertilizer every other month.A 15-5-15 formula works well.
The sun star would get 1/2 of the amount recommended by the manufacturer if it was mixed in 1 gallon of water.Put the solution in a watering can and pour it around the base of the plant.Don't use more than half of the recommended amount.Brown leaf tips are caused by overfertilizing sun star.
Sun star thrives in moist soil but does not like dry soil.It's ideal to have one inch of weekly water.When rain isn't enough, give it supplemental water.
There is a rain gauge.When the gauge's level is less than 1 inch, check weekly and water.6 gallons of water is used for every 10 square feet of soil.Give the sun star 3 gallons of water for every 10 square feet if the gauge reads 1/2 inch.The water should be paused to let the soil absorb the water.
When the blooms die back in early summer, stop watering.New leaves emerge in the fall and winter.