Streptocarpus modestus — Clump forming

Overview

Streptocarpus modestus is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Streptocarpus, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Streptocarpus modestus 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 modestus is a clump-forming cultivar of the Streptocarpus genus, known for its deciduous foliage and tubular to trumpet-like flowers with five spreading lobes. This plant is suited to conservatories, greenhouses, and as a houseplant, thriving in bright indirect light with moist but well-drained soil. It prefers a sheltered position with full sun to partial shade and can be grown in various soil types and pH levels. Streptocarpus modestus is hardy to UK zone H1c and is best cultivated in peat-free houseplant compost at temperatures between 15-25°C, with interest from spring through autumn.

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

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 modestus 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 modestus

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 modestus?

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

What soil does Streptocarpus modestus need?

Streptocarpus modestus 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 modestus hardy in the UK?

Streptocarpus modestus 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 modestus?

Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division.

More in the Streptocarpus genus

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