Streptocarpus floribundus — Clump forming

Overview

Streptocarpus floribundus is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Streptocarpus, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Streptocarpus floribundus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1c. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.

About

Streptocarpus floribundus is a clump-forming member of the Gesneriaceae cultivated for conservatories and as a houseplant. The plant is deciduous and bears five-petalled, salverform flowers that arch above the leaves. In UK culture it flowers from June to October when kept in a sheltered, south- to west-facing position under glass. It prefers a moist but well-drained loam or sandy compost and will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline pH.

About the genus

Streptocarpus is an Afrotropical genus of flowering plants in the family Gesneriaceae. The genus is native to Afromontane biotopes from central, eastern and southern Africa, including Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. The flowers are five-petalled, salverform tubes, almost orchid-like in appearance, and hover or arch over the plant, while the pointed, elongate fruit is of a helical form similar to that of the "tusk" of a narwhal.

Wikipedia contributors, "Streptocarpus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Streptocarpus

In the garden

Streptocarpus floribundus is a clump-forming Gesneriad grown principally under glass or as an indoor plant. The foliage is deciduous and the flowers are typical of the genus: five-petalled, salverform tubes that arch over the leaf rosette. In the UK it flowers from June to October when given bright, sheltered conditions. Place Streptocarpus floribundus where it receives full sun to partial shade and is protected from wind; south-, east- or west-facing benches and windows are suitable. Use a loam- or sand-based growing medium that remains moist but drains freely, and note that the plant tolerates a wide soil pH range from acid to alkaline. As an H1c rating (tender) it should be kept in a heated greenhouse or indoors through the colder months rather than left outside. This species is most often grown in pots on conservatory benches or windowsills where it can benefit from bright light without exposure. Move containers under cover before cold weather arrives and water to keep the rootball evenly moist but not waterlogged. Expect the flowers to arch above the foliage from June to October, providing a reliable summer-to-autumn display under glass.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Streptocarpus

Sunlight: Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type: Loam, Sand
Soil pH: Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture: Moist but well-drained
Aspect: South-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure: Sheltered
UK hardiness: H1c

Plant details

Streptocarpus floribundus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit: Clump forming
Foliage: Deciduous
Suggested uses: Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Streptocarpus floribundus

Propagation: Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division
Pest resistance: Aphids, Glasshouse leafhopper, Mealybug, Tarsonemid mites
Disease resistance: Botrytis, Powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Streptocarpus floribundus?

Streptocarpus floribundus prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Streptocarpus floribundus need?

Streptocarpus floribundus grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Streptocarpus floribundus hardy in the UK?

Streptocarpus floribundus has an RHS hardiness rating of H1c, meaning it needs a warm, frost-free position of 5–10°C and is best grown under glass in the UK.

How do I propagate Streptocarpus floribundus?

Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division.

More in the Streptocarpus genus

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