Streptocarpus (Streptocarpus) is a genus of plants belonging to the Gesneriaceae family. It is of South African origin.
The root system of this plant is superficial. Large, slightly pubescent leaves form a basal rosette. The palette of tubular five-petal asymmetric flowers is the most diverse. Depending on the variety, the flowers can be small and large, plain and multi-colored, simple and double, with rounded or corrugated petals, on a short or long peduncle.
Streptocarpus at home requires careful attention, but also pays for it with luxurious flowering, the duration of which is explained by the fact that up to 10 peduncles are formed in the axil of each formed leaf.
The soil requires a special streptocarpus. Home care involves mixing expensive peat mixtures with vermiculite in a 4:1 ratio. The prepared soil must be disinfected, for example, in a microwave at maximum power for 5 minutes. It is undesirable to use expanded clay as a drainage, because. is heaccumulates a lot of water and harmful s alts and leads to decay of sensitive roots. More suitable foam. It does not weigh down the pot, and is easily accessible.
You can not place streptocarpus on the southern windowsills. Care at home for him is optimal in bright diffused lighting. Good results can be achieved on the northern windows. When exposed to sunlight on the leaves, burns may occur. The use of phytolamps can replace natural lighting.
Moderate watering with drying of an earthy coma requires streptocarpus. Home care, even with unintentional overdrying, should not include "soaking" the plant in a container of water. This method will quickly restore other flowers, but the representative of the Gesneriaceae can lead to death, since its roots will suffocate without oxygen. He can create greenhouse conditions by putting in a transparent bag. If after a couple of days the plant does not recover, then you will need to re-root the outlet.
It is contraindicated to add granular fertilizers to a pot of a plant such as streptocarpus. Home care should include regular feeding during the growing season, i.e. from April to September. It is advisable to use soluble fertilizers that can be clearly dosed, for example, for Saintpaulia. It is impossible to do without them, because. the peat-based soil used is poor in nutrients.
If the plant for some reason looks oppressed, then re-rooting the outlet can save the streptocarpus. Flowers with peduncles must be removed, the "victim" should be removed from the pot. Rinse the roots under water, cut off all rotten ones. Shorten large leaves (they can be used for reproduction). Take a pot smaller than the previous one. Bring the amount of vermiculite to 1/3. Plant without deepening the outlet. Pull a transparent bag over the pot, turn it over daily to the dry side. After 2 months, the plant will recover.
Streptocarpus, with proper care, blooms for a very long time. The contemplation of this splendor cannot but delight.
