Sign up here to get Reader’s Digest’s favourite stories delivered straight to your inbox! These compact, low-growing plants flower several times a year, and they are available in a multitude of leaf forms and colors. In addition to occasional sunlight in winter, even if there is no direct sunlight throughout the summer, there will be no problems. Try not to leave lengths of stalk as they go wooden looking and are rather ugly. A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest. In terms of climate, it is more common in places that are mild and humid. How to care for Streptocarpus. In Southern areas, avoid exposing the houseplant to too much direct sun in the afternoon hours. Temperature: In the summer: 64,4-75,2 ° F, in winter not below 59 ° F, if the temperature is lower, the plant should be watered less often, so that it goes into a state of rest. Follow our planting guide. I ordered these plants from David Thompson on eBay. African Violets Plants. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec; … Cultivation. Deadhead to prolong flowering. Because streptocarpus saxorum engl has thick leaves and the flowering branches are protruding out, it is suitable for growing in hanging pots. Streptocarpus, a.k.a. Potting: Streptocarpus have fairly shallow root systems and seem to prefer and grow much better in the "pan" or "azalea" style pots. A 16 page booklet with the basics of how to best grow these wonderful plants. Flowers. Don't be put off by their reputation for difficulty: providing you follow a few simple rules, African violets should thrive indoors. Greenfly occasionally attack plants and can be spotted from their white discarded skins on the flower stalks and leaf bases. How to Make a Streptocarpus Bloom. While streptocarpella is available in various shades of purple, blue, lavender, magenta and pink, the variety Streptocarpus Violet Sky boasts dainty, blue-violet blooms. I'm in zone 7. Repotting every three to six months will help keep your plants in active growth and prevent them from becoming woody. Streptocarpus Flowering Plants - are easy to grow, but not that common to buy. The Streptocarpus, also known as the Cape Primrose plant, is a delicate evergreen hybrid featuring velvet flowers and striking, deep-veined leaves. Growing requirements, as well, are similar. With a little experience, it's possible to keep them in flower nearly all year round and grow them to the size of dinner plates. streptocarpus saxorum engl likes the shade and does not like the sun. Streptocarpus hybrids are mostly bred from Streptocarpus rexii, a native of South Africa, and are sometimes called Cape Primrose or Nodding Violets. This lesson will demonstrate when and how to pot Streptocarpus plants into larger pots, and how to divide and repot a mature plant. Lifespan: Some years. Violet Plant. As the common name Cape primrose suggests, streptocarpus originate mainly from South Africa, where they grow in wooded areas, enjoying moist soil and light shade. Streptocarpus grows in a basal whorl of leaves with no above-ground branching while Streptocarpella has a well branched top. During the summer grow them in a shaded greenhouse, indoors on an East or West windowsill or anywhere that is bright but without strong sunshine - early morning or evening sunlight is weaker and therefore ok. During the winter months keep your plants in as bright a position as possible to prolong growth and the flowering season. Grow indoor hyacinths. Sunday, 4 August, 2019 at 9:52 am . Streptocarpella is a cousin to the African violet, and although the foliage is different, the blooms look much like the blooms of the African violet. The part of the leaf that gets best results is near the base of the leaf. • Keep temperatures above 50°F. Home; About; streptocarpus Well here is the very belated (by about 1.5 months) post about potting up the streptocarpus that I ordered online. If there is one thing that they are known for, it would be their high water retention. Allow compost to dry out between waterings. Now available from World of Streps. Streptocarpus grow well in similar conditions to that of African Violets however they are probably a little easier. Sep 11, 2014 - Streptocarpus Propagation Streptocarpus are a wonderful plant as they have the ability to reproduce themselves through single cell division due to the hormones (cytokinins) present in the leaves. This fast-growing herbaceous perennial, native of South Africa, offers plenty of interest for much of the year. Streptocarpus Propagation by Seed. Source: rd.com Cape Primrose, is a popular choice for indoor growing because the orchid-like flowers have a long bloom period. Avoid hot sun, which can burn the leaves and fade the flowers. Go to the contact us page and send us an email. Streptocarpus hybrids are irresistible indoor plants with enormous stunning flowers for months at a time. Herbaceous Perennials. Streptocarpus - How to Grow. They require a moist soil, however not a wet one. And they’re easy to grow once you have a few tips under your belt. Streptocarpus are easily grown plants which are remarkably free from pests and diseases. grows well as an interior potted plant or as an outdoor plant in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. I have some lovely specialty named plants for sale, and they are coming into full bloom now. Skip to content. They grow in normal house conditions of medium light and temperature, and like to be a … Cape Primroses, also known as Streptocarpus or Streps, have filled a niche as flowering houseplants for the home for many decades. Rule No. In Australia Streptocarpus are usually grown indoors, however in warmer climates, NSW north coast and further north, they can be grown outdoors, especially near the coast where temperatures at night do not drop so much. They thrive in indirect light and can come back to life if neglected for long periods of time. Monty Don shows how to pot on a streptocarpus (cape primrose), giving advice on compost, feeding and the best place to put your plant. The Amateur Gardening team take you through how to grow beautiful streptocarpus in all varieties. The translation of the Latin name means "Streptocarpus like". Live Plants. The key to growing streptocarpus is to find a bright window sill away from direct sunlight, and avoid over-watering. The orchid-like flowers of the Streptocarpus are available in a wide rainbow of colours. Over-wintering Streptocarpus plants Winter treatment of your Streptocarpus plants (other than the Crystal varieties) As we get into November, you will find your plants gradually stop flowering, though you may still get the odd flower. On this page. Initial Care. They’re easy to grow and even easier to propagate. This is called the meristem (growing region). Primrose. Grow streptocarpus as a flowering indoor plant by keeping it in a bright spot, such as a north- or east-facing window. A popular house plant, Streptocarpus, is a member of the Gesneriad family and is related to the African Violet. In fact, they are able to hold water that is up to 20 times of their weigh when it is dry. Streptocarpus, is more commonly known as the Cape Primrose and is (rather surprisingly) a relative of the African Violet (Saintpaulia). Learning how to grow indoor plants and killing a few along the way. There are literally hundreds of varieties of streptocarpus and they are very collectable. A Cape Primrose plant reaches a height of 12 inches and spreads up to 18 inches. More so than some other gesneriads, streps like to have fresh, light, soil into which they can produce new root growth–they need “happy feet”. To succeed with streptocarpus you should repot them often, while still keeping them somewhat pot bound. Grow plants. Remove the flowering stalks at their bases where they join the leaf. Timely potting and repotting ensures that they will continue to grow and bloom. A spray with a proprietary insecticide either … I don't have a greenhouse and my house doesn't have much bright light. Mar 22, 2018 - One of my favorite plants!. Also known as "Cape Primrose", Streptocarpus are easy-to-grow, colorful and can bloom year-round if the right cultural conditions are met. The flowers are five-petalled, and look almost like an orchid. The part of the leaf that gets best results is near the base of the leaf. Place the pot in a indoor greenhouse or keep it covered with a freezer bag. How to brighten up your home and fill it with delicious spring scent during the cold winter months. Care. As a relative of the African violet, the Cape Primrose keeps in bloom for several months of the year when treated properly and exposed to ample indirect lighting. • Grow in partial sun to shade. I’m pretty sad that he’s done selling plants until April as he is my favorite strep vendor. Would they have to have fluorescent lights to survive indoors? Soil type. How to pot on streptocarpus; How to pot on streptocarpus . How to grow: Streptocarpus - Amateur Gardening. See more ideas about plants, african violets, flowers. Grow indoors in loam-free compost in bright, filtered light. Streptocarpus Propagation Streptocarpus are a wonderful plant as they have the ability to reproduce themselves through single cell division due to the hormones (cytokinins) present in the leaves. This is an easy environment to replicate indoors. Air daily. Water this houseplant just enough to keep the soil slightly moist, but never wet or soggy. House Plants. Bushes And Shrubs. For this reason, sphagnum makes a great conditioner for the soil. Conservatory, Containers, Greenhouse, Indoor. I've been buying streptocarpus plants in spring and treating them like annuals, but would like to see if I could overwinter some. This is called the meristem (growing region). After 2-3 years, the plants look tired, they should be replaced by young. Streptocarpus saxorum (False African violet) will reach a height of 0.15m and a spread of 0.5m after 2-5 years. Growth rate: High. We update it twice a year with new information and new links. Streptocarpus also thrives under artificial lights. The name Streptocarpus means "twisted fruit", a reference to the slender, twisted seed capsule that the plants produce. Menu. Although its genus name sounds like a disease, cape primrose (Streptocarpus) is a short but charming plant with long, crinkled leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers. They grow in thick and dense clumps on the surface of the soil. • Water accurately; allow soil to become visually dry between waterings. They come in a huge range of flower colours, and bloom from spring though to autumn, offering a long-lasting indoor display. Suggested uses. Growing Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose) Latin Name Pronunciation: strep-toe-kar'puss LIGHT: The Cape Primrose is a relative of African Violets and prefers the same growing conditions of bright but indirect light. Their velvety, long green leaves and floral sprays that rise above the foliage create a stunning plant for a windowsill garden. The booklet can be purchased direct from World of Streps through email requestfor $5.95 plus postage. Cape primrose (Streptocarpus spp.) By BBC Gardeners' World Magazine. 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