Murdannia loriformis ‘Bright Star’ is a charming, easy-care houseplant with striking variegated leaves. Its long, lance-shaped foliage features bright green and creamy white stripes, adding a lively contrast to your indoor plant collection. Compact and elegant, it’s perfect for desktops, windowsills, or as a complement to larger plants.
Scientific Name
Murdannia loriformis (‘Bright Star’, sword-shaped leaves)
Common Name(s)
Beijing Grass, Bright Star Murdannia
Origin
Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand and China.
Light
Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant variegation. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, or low light, which may cause the variegation to fade.
Water
Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when the plant’s growth slows.
Humidity
Enjoys moderate to high humidity. Place near a humidifier, or use a humidity tray to keep its leaves looking lush. Avoid overly dry air, which can cause leaf tips to brown.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix with organic material to retain moisture without waterlogging. A general-purpose indoor potting mix with added perlite works well.
Food
Feed once a month during the growing season with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser. Do not fertilise in winter.
Temperature
Thrives in temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from temperatures below 12°C and keep away from cold drafts.
Pet-safe
Toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.
Sprouts Top Tips
Regularly clean the leaves with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and keep the variegation vibrant. Rotate the plant occasionally to ensure even growth. If the leaf edges start browning, consider increasing humidity and checking your watering routine.
Extras
This plant is sometimes used in traditional medicine in its native regions, though it is primarily grown for its ornamental beauty indoors.
Did You Know?
Murdannia loriformis is related to the spiderwort family (Commelinaceae), which includes many other striking foliage plants loved for their decorative leaves.
