Free Streptocarpus Hybrids Plants

The Streptocarpus produces its attractive, trumpet-shaped flowers from spring right through until autumn. A variety of bold colours are available, and a beautiful display can be created by massing several different hybrids in a shallow bowl. Faded flowers should be removed with a sharp knife. An interesting propagation technique is to cut a leaf in half down the central vein and gently dib each half into the compost with the cut side down. When the plantlets appear they can be cut apart and potted individually.

Plant type : Flowering plant with low-growing habit
Season of interest : Late spring to early autumn
Size : 15-30cm (6—12in)
Flower : Five-lobed, tubular, 2.5-5cm (1 -2in) across, white, pink, red, blue or mauve, with veined throat, on 10-30cm (4-12in) stalks
Leaf : Strap-shaped, 15-30cm (6—12in), mid to dark green
Temperature : 15-22°C (59-72°F)
Aspect/Light : Reasonably well-lit situation, lightly shaded from direct sunlight
Humidity : Moderate to high
Watering : Evenly moisten compost in spring and summer, allowing to dry a little before re-watering; keep on drier side in autumn and winter
Feeding : Half strength flowering plant fertilizer every two to three weeks in spring and summer
Propagation : Sow seeds in seed and cutting compost at 21 °C (70°F) in early to mid spring; dib sections of leaf into, or lay entire leaves on, same compost at 20-21°C (68-70°F) in spring
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Mealy bug, mildew
Availability : Usually available in spring and summer
Uses indoors : Table-top plant close to window in lounge, dining room or kitchen