streptacarpus

It is important not to overwater Streptocarpus, wait until the compost feels dry to the touch. Overwatering, in particular regular overwatering, will cause harm to the root system. The first symptom of overwatering is exactly the same as underwatering i.e., the plant will wilt. So make sure the compost is actually dry in between watering. A month after potting up commence feeding with a high potash fertiliser. The most convenient way is to insert a Dibleys Streptocarpus fertiliser tablet each month. Please remember every lant is a separate individual and should be treated as such.

Always cut off dead flowers. Excessive or incorrect feed and poor light make the plants produce very large leaves and few flowers. It is quite natural as plants age for the old leaves to die back, and the ends should be trimmed off, especially in winter. In winter, water less often, do not feed and keep the plants in a place free from frost. In March or April gradually start watering more often and commence feeding. Plants should be potted into a slightly larger pot each spring. Do not over-pot you will get more flower by keeping on the pot bound side. Using half of three quarter depth pots is a good idea.

Given this treatment you will be rewarded by a continuous display of flowers from about May until well into winter. You will also find the flowers are good for cutting.

Streptocarpus are easily grown plants which are remarkably free from pests and diseases. Greenfly occasionally attack plants and can be spotted from their white discarded skins on the flower stalks and leaf bases. A spray with a proprietary insecticide either as an aerosol or mixed with water will soon cure the problem.