Ornithogalum dubium, otherwise known as the orange star plant, is a flowering bulb that originated in South Africa. These perennials tend to be compact, with tall stems that burst with gorgeous clusters of flowers during the spring. Some growers also call these plants sun star or Star of Bethlehem, due to their bright orange blooms.
Although orange stars are extremely rewarding to grow in the garden, they can also be susceptible to several plant problems. If you see your plant drooping, this usually means it is struggling with an underlying issue. Later, this might be followed by other symptoms like stunted growth, leaf discoloration, and dropping of the leaves.
So, why is your orange star plant drooping? There are several possible reasons, and we will discuss each of them in this article.
Why is my orange star plant drooping?
Orange star plants with drooping leaves are an unpleasant sight, and this is often a tell-tale sign of trouble, especially if your plants are not receiving the right care and growing conditions. Check through the common causes below to troubleshoot your drooping orange star plant and fix the underlying issues right away.
1. Rootbound issues
When was the last time you repotted your orange star plant? If you can see its roots starting to appear on the soil’s surface, it is probably rootbound.
Plants become rootbound when their roots become too dense because they have outgrown their containers. This is not a healthy condition for a plant to be in, since it limits the plant’s ability to absorb water and essential nutrients. Soil displacement is another ugly consequence of a rootbound state, as more and more roots take over the limited space inside the container.
If your orange star plants are left to grow in this fashion, their growth will stop and they will slowly start dying. The extensive root damage will become apparent as the foliage turns yellow and then brown, the leaves curl or drop, and the stems lose their turgidity.
2. Too little water
It is all too easy to forget to water your houseplants, especially if you live in a busy household. If you cannot remember the last time you lavished some love and attention on your orange stars, it is probably time to reassess your plant care routine!
Water-deprived orange stars will not only droop, but might also look a little dry and brown. Excessive dehydration depletes the moisture that keeps the plant firm and turgid. Furthermore, without enough moisture, it is impossible for it to carry on the metabolic processes that keep it alive and thriving.
So, go ahead and check the soil – does it look dry? If it does, then you probably just need to pamper your orange star with enough water to perk it back up.
3. Overwatering
We all have probably heard the common saying, “Too much of a good thing can be bad!” While water is good and essential for plant growth, we can sometimes become a bit over-excited about a new plant, and lavish it with more water than it actually needs.
Too much water can actually be more dangerous than underwatering, as it makes your plant vulnerable to fungal diseases and rot. Sadly, reviving an overwatered orange star is almost impossible if the fungal damage has already become extensive.
Drooping is just one of the early signs of overwatering. This is your plant’s cry for help as its roots are drowning in the waterlogged soil. If you fail to react quickly, the roots will slowly start to die, thereby limiting your plant’s nutrient uptake. Soon, its leaves and stems will become brown and mushy as the rot spreads. To make matters worse, rotting plant matter will eventually attract pests and fungal spores, leading to the quick demise of your orange star.
4. Pest infestation
Pest infestation is often difficult to diagnose in its early stages, as most of these destructive bugs are too tiny to be seen by the naked eye.
There are several pests that might attack your orange star plant. Some of the most common sap-sucking bugs include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scales. They might vary in size and color, but they all do the same thing to your houseplants – irreversible foliage damage and death.
If your orange star suddenly starts drooping despite your proper care and watering, then check the undersides of the leaves for signs of infestation. Use a magnifying glass if necessary. If you notice unusual moving objects that look like miniscule grains of rice, this is a sure sign of pest infestation. Check for honeydew-like substances as well – pests often leave their excrements on the leaf surface, and this attracts black sooty mold and ants.
5. Poor soil quality
Poor soil quality often leads to poor plant establishment and growth. Soil that is too loose and sandy does not hold moisture well enough, leading to plant dehydration. If the soil is too dense or compacted, on the other hand, it results in poor soil drainage and root rot diseases.
Orange star plants do best in consistently moist but well-draining soil. You can achieve this by making a potting mix that contains perlite or peat moss, or by purchasing a Miracle-Gro potting mix on Amazon.
6. Transplant shock
Newly transplanted orange stars can react negatively by drooping, but this does not mean they are dying. Yes, it might look terrifying, especially after you have done your best to nurture the plant, but know that this is a normal process.
Root damage and poor acclimatization are often cofactors that cause orange stars to droop after transplanting. At this point, the only thing you can do is shower your stressed plant with love and careful attention. Do not forget to keep its soil moist at all times. As long as the damage is minimal, your favorite perennial flower should recover and perk back up within a few weeks.
How often should you water an orange star plant?
One common question asked by a lot of new growers is how often to water their orange star plants. We have mentioned the important role of water in growing a healthy perennial plant like the orange star, as well as the devastating effects of improper watering.
To avoid both under- and overwatering your plants, the golden rule is this: water your plants only when the top two inches of soil look dry. Keep in mind that bone-dry soil tends to be lighter in color than moist soil.
You can also assess the moisture level by pushing your finger into the soil – if it crumbles, then your orange star is probably in dire need of water. If the soil oozes with a bit of water as you squeeze it, it is probably too wet. The ideal soil should be a bit moist and stick together when you ball it in your hand.
For beginners, we highly recommend using a soil moisture meter for convenient and accurate readings. This device comes in handy when you want to know your plant’s watering needs – just insert it into the soil and check the moisture level on the display.
Under normal weather conditions, an orange star plant needs to be watered about once or twice a week. Keep in mind that your watering schedule should also be adjusted depending on the season. For example, you might need to increase the watering during hot and dry seasons, but limit it during the cold months.
How to revive a drooping orange star plant
Sometimes, reviving a drooping orange star can be a bit challenging, especially if the plant has been struggling with the underlying issue for a long time. Check for other signs of damage as well, and from there you should be able to tell what has caused your plant to droop.
However, if you have managed to diagnose the issue at its earliest stage, then perking your plant back up should be quite easy. Here, we have summarized the things you need to do in order to rescue your drooping orange star plant:
- Often, the cause of a drooping orange star is dehydration. In this case, the solution is simply to give your plant more water. If the soil is too dry to absorb water, you might need to give your plant a good soak in the sink for at least 30 minutes or until the soil becomes saturated. Afterwards, take the container out of the sink and let the excess water drain completely.
- If the soil is compacted, then your best option might be to repot your plant. This time, make sure to use well-draining soil to allow the roots to breathe. Poke some holes into the soil’s surface to improve the aeration and allow the water to penetrate deeply into the root system.
- If your orange stars are grown indoors, try to improve the humidity level by adding a humidifier. Some gardeners swear by the effectiveness of misting or adding a water pebble tray, which might be worth a try. However, the humidifier is by far the most effective solution to manage the humidity in your indoor garden.
Conclusion
A drooping orange star plant is often caused by improper watering, a rootbound state, pest infestation, transplant stress, or poor soil quality. Before searching for solutions to perk your plant back up, you need to determine the cause so that the correct fix can be applied. Hopefully, through this guide, you have found the answer to bring your beautiful perennial back to life!
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