Hypoxis baurii

Red star comes from habitats with dappled light—such as forest understories or rocky sites that provide natural shade. It prefers partial sun but can also tolerate full sun.

Although Red star tolerates some heat, it predominantly performs best and grows in cooler seasons and becomes dormant during summer. In very hot summer conditions, provide shade to avoid scorching from strong sunlight. Watering should be reduced or stopped during the hottest period to prevent root rot. Winter and spring are when Red star grows vigorously. So long as temperatures do not fall too low, it will continue to grow steadily.

For Red star, small amounts of fertilizer once or twice a year during the growing season are sufficient. Avoid fertilizing in winter and in summer when the plant is dormant. Cut back on fertilizer for repotted plants and wait a couple of months after repotting before applying fertilizer. Fertilizing supports healthy growth and encourages blooms.