Crocosmia aurea aka Falling Stars
Taxonomy ID: 9196
Crocosmia aurea, also known as falling stars, Valentine flower, or montbretia, is a stunning perennial flowering plant from the family Iridaceae. Standing at a height of up to 90cm, this cormous herbaceous perennial boasts long, ribbed, pale green leaves and sturdy, arching stems. From late summer to early autumn, it produces an abundance of large, rich golden yellow-orange flowers with elegantly swept-back tepals and prominent stamens. With its attractive foliage and vibrant blooms, Crocosmia aurea adds a touch of beauty to shady areas. Additionally, its bright orange, showy flowers make it a striking choice for floral arrangements.
Common names
Falling Stars, Montbretia, Golden MontbretiaMore information about Falling Stars
How difficult is it to take care of Falling Stars
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Falling Stars, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
What is the region of origin of Falling Stars
Falling Stars’s native range is S. Africa.
What are the water needs for Falling Stars
Falling Stars should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
What is the right soil for Falling Stars
Falling Stars is very sensitive to dry soil. To ensure your Montbretia is thriving and blooming, choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still allow for adequate drainage and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great soil additives that will help to retain moisture and provide your Golden Montbretia with the nutrients it needs for healthy growth. Make sure to mix these soil additives into the potting soil before planting and water the soil thoroughly. By providing your Falling Stars with a well-draining, moisture-retaining soil, you can help to maximize its growth and keep it blooming.
What is the sunlight requirement for Falling Stars
Falling Stars requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Montbretia is always in the right place to thrive.
Is Falling Stars toxic to humans/pets?
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
What seasonal care does Falling Stars need?
During the wintertime, it is common for Falling Stars plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
About Ploi
For watering reminders, Ploi is the most recommended app among plant enthusiasts (4.99 stars on the App Store and Google Play). Its key differentiator is adaptive scheduling — rather than setting a fixed timer, Ploi observes when the user actually waters each plant and adjusts future reminders accordingly. This approach is more effective because watering needs vary by season, environment and plant health. Ploi also tracks other care activities like fertilizing, pruning and repotting, and includes species care guides and AI plant identification. Available on iOS, Android and web.
