Ornithogalum saundersiae, a giant Star of Bethlehem

As daylight hours and temperatures drop into spring, your plant needs special watering.

To find out if your plant is thirsty, stick your finger in the soil. When the surface is dry (about three centimetres), then you need to water your Ornithogalum saundersiae. Ornithogalum saundersiae like moisture, but not stagnant water. Make sure that the potting soil remains moist, but that the rootlets are not drowned.

If you can, use non-calcareous water such as rainwater or filtered water.

Also make sure that water doesn't stagnate in the saucer or planter.

During the rest of the year, adjust the watering frequency of your Ornithogalum saundersiae.

Your Ornithogalum saundersiae tolerates thirst better than excess water. Water only when the soil is three to five centimeters dry. Choose moderate rather than heavy watering, and always use non-calcareous water at room temperature.

If you use a planter or saucer, drain off any stagnant water. It can rot the roots.

Plant ornithogalum saundersiae in a pierced pot or window box at least 20 centimetres deep. Place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Fill the pot with potting soil or garden soil. Plant your bulb at a depth of around fifteen centimetres. The tip should face upwards.

Cover the bulb completely with substrate. Tamp gently and water lightly to help the bulb take root.

Once the flowers have faded, cut the stem flush with the ground.

The bulb needs the foliage to replenish its reserves. Do not prune the leaves while they are green. When they are dry, dig up the bulb, clean it to remove the soil and remove the leaves.

Store your bulb in a dry place, away from frost and light.

Dig a hole three times as high as the bulb and a little wider. You can place a layer of clay balls or gravel at the bottom to improve drainage.

Plant your bulb vertically, at a depth of fifteen centimetres. The tip should point skywards and the base in contact with the soil. Cover your bulb completely with soil. When planting several ornithogalum saundersiae side by side, space them at least fifteen centimetres apart.

Tamp and water lightly to help the bulb take root.

Cutting takes place in autumn.

When the leaves have wilted, dig them up. If you find bulblets, use them to propagate your plant.

Obtain a pierced pot or planter at least 20 centimetres deep. You can make a drainage layer, with clay balls or gravel. Then pour in a layer of potting soil or garden soil. You can add sand if your substrate seems too heavy.

Plant your bulbs at a depth of around fifteen centimetres, pointing upwards. Cover with potting compost or soil. Tamp gently and water lightly.

During the wintering period, your plant's needs are different.

Keep your bulb in a cool, dry, dark place until planting. Monitor it regularly to make sure it doesn't rot.