How to Grow Streptocarpus

African violet plants have been popular with indoor growers for more than a century, but the rest of this plant family (known as gesneriads) is underappreciated. That’s beginning to change, as hybridizers create more and more beautiful choices. One of the rising stars of the group is streptocarpus, a spectacular and long-blooming beauty, which is commonly known as cape primrose.

Caring for Streptocarpus:

The Miracle Houseplants by George and Virginie Elbert (1984, Crown Publishers), widely recognized as the bible for gesneriad growers, recommends a temperature range of 55 to 75 degrees, but more recent hybrids tend to tolerate higher temperatures without harm. For those without air conditioning summer is difficult, and plants should be kept as cool as possible.

The soil mix should be light, and soilless mixes work well. If using packaged African violet soil, add extra perlite and vermiculite to the mix. The plants need relatively low light levels, and an east window is ideal in most parts of the country.

Frequent light feedings are better than occasional heavy ones. You should stop feeding whenever the plant ceases new growth. With luck, you should be able to produce blooms throughout most of the year. Most growers recommend letting the plants dry slightly between waterings, but some report success with growing on wicks.

Growing Streptocarpus under Fluorescent Lights:

Like African violets, streptocarpus are ideally suited to growing under artificial light. The steady, even light prevents the setbacks that occur during a long spells of cloudy weather at the windowsill. Streptocarpus like just slightly more light than African violets. Start by placing them 8-10 inches away from a two-tube fixture, and adjust as necessary.

Propagating Streptocarpus:

The propagation method you use will depend on the number of hybrids you wish to produce. If you want just a couple of plants, you can simply take a sharp knife and divide the parent plant. Some recommend dusting the cut ends with fungicide before replanting.

To produce a large number of plants, prepare a tray of moistened, fine textured seedless mix. Moisten some sphagnum moss and wring it out. Place the sphagnum over the seedless mix in a thin layer. Remove the center vein of a leaf and place it standing cut side down in the moss, using hairpins to hold it in place. Encase the tray in a plastic bag, seal it, and place it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight. Watch carefully to ensure it does not dry out, and open the bag for a few hours if excess condensation forms. Once baby plants begin to appear along the cut surface, slowly expose the plants to air. Adding sphagnum moss is the secret, since it helps to prevent rot.

To learn more about these gorgeous plants and get links to hundreds of stunning photos , visit The Gesneriad Society website.