About
A large, spreading, evergreen tree or shrub to about 15m tall from the Himalaya and China with narrow, linear, dark green, yew-like leaves, arranged in two rows, and small, inconspicuous flowers, followed by small, fleshy, red-banded, plum-like arils on female trees. A graceful, architectural conifer for a sheltered, mild, woodland garden.
About the genus
Streptocarpus can be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with usually wrinkled, lance-shaped to rounded leaves and clusters of tubular to trumpet-shaped flowers with 5 spreading lobes, often borne throughout the year
Plant details
Suggested usesWindowsills, conservatories, warm greenhouses. An excellent houseplant.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in well-drained, peat-free houseplant compost. Bright indirect light. Keep evenly moist but not wet. 15-25�C.
PruningRemove spent flower stems at the base to encourage further blooms. Trim damaged leaves.
PropagationLeaf cuttings in spring or summer � cut a leaf section and insert in compost. Divide large rosettes.
Pest resistanceMealybugs and aphids may occur indoors.
Disease resistanceCrown rot from overwatering. Powdery mildew in poor air circulation.