The Encyclopedia of House Plants

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Streptocarpus

Family: Gesneriaceae.

Streptocarpus rexii Common name(s): Cape Primrose
Streptocarpus Genus of about 130 species of annuals and perennials, some monocarpic, or rarely subshrubs, often found in rainforest, sometimes as epiphytes, and on damp banks and rocks or in grassland, found from tropical to southern Africa, in Madagascar, and in China; 4 species from S.E.Asia. Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose) adapts to many of the same conditions African Violet needs. Partial shade and most potting mixes give good results. Keep the soil moist as the plant wilts readily. Use weak fertilizer every week to 10 days and provide cool temperatures. Ideal temperatures are 70 F during the day and 65 F at night. Flowering is best when the days are 14 hours or longer. Remove flowers as they fade. Flowers are white, blue, purple, pink and red with prominently-veined throats.
Growing conditions Watering and misting Propagation
Average or above average warmth in summer. Keep fairy cool in winter - minimum temperature 55 F or 15C. Bright light - avoid direct sunshine. Water freely from spring to autumn - sparingly in Winter. Use tepid water. Mist leaves frequently, especially in hot weather. Propagation is by leaf cuttings, division, or seed. Surface-sow seed in late winter or spring, at 64 F (18 C).

User-submitted additions and corrections:

tangled garden
Ontario, Canada
8th Sep 2008 		I was given a small strptocarpus plant a few months ago, and found if I kept it moist and fertilized every few months it would grow more leaves. I repotted it, in a pot with a reservoir, and it grew very long leaves 12" long! I have repotted it again, and am now getting blue flowers. I was surprised how long the leaves were. It grows well in an east window.
Julia Thoms
Canada
20th Jul 2016 		I have ordered from you before & will order again,Infact I am waiting for an order to come in anytime.Very nice to talk to & I give 10 star Good Luck & Thank_ you.
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