[13] The spectrum of the primary matches a stellar classification of G8 III-IV, suggesting that it is an evolved star that lies part way between the subgiant and giant stages.

It is radiating over 28[8] times the luminosity of the Sun from its outer envelope at an effective temperature of 4,800 K,[4] giving it the characteristic yellow hue of a G-type star.

This is an RS Canum Venaticorum variable and its brightness varies by 0.225 magnitudes, reaching a maximum of 3.70, with a period of 53.952 days.

Consequently, the Chinese name for λ Andromedae itself is 螣蛇十九 (Téng Shé shíjiǔ, English: the Nineteenth Star of Flying Serpent).

[15] Analysis of the physical properties of the star, including its temperature, luminosity, magnetic field, and stellar wind, show that it has recently experienced the first dredge-up and has begun to ascend the red giant branch although it still has a hot corona and is classified as a subgiant by some definitions.