Overview

Streptocarpus 'Rob's Argyle Socks' (AV/d) is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Streptocarpus, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Streptocarpus 'Rob's Argyle Socks' (AV/d) 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 'Rob's Argyle Socks' is a clump-forming Streptocarpus cultivar in the Gesneriaceae grown for its summer-to-autumn flowering. The plant has deciduous leaves and suits conservatory, greenhouse or indoor display, flowering from June to October. It prefers moist but well-drained loam or sandy compost in a sheltered, south-, east- or west-facing spot. As an H1c rating, it is tender and should be kept under glass or brought indoors for winter protection.

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

A member of the Streptocarpus genus (family Gesneriaceae), Streptocarpus 'Rob's Argyle Socks' is offered as a conservatory and houseplant cultivar with a clump-forming habit and deciduous foliage. It is intended for sheltered positions where it receives bright light: its listed tolerance includes full sun to partial shade and it performs best in south-, east- or west-facing windows where drafts are minimal. Use a loam- or sand-based potting mix that drains freely but holds some moisture; the plant requires moist but well-drained conditions and accepts acid, neutral or alkaline soil pH. As an H1c (tender) plant, it needs winter protection — a heated greenhouse or an indoor windowsill is appropriate rather than outdoor planting. Keep it sheltered from cold winds and heavy rain. Streptocarpus 'Rob's Argyle Socks' suits pots and display benches in conservatories, greenhouses or as a houseplant where its June to October flowering can be enjoyed. Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continued bloom through the season and check compost moisture so the crown is not left waterlogged.

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 'Rob's Argyle Socks' (AV/d) 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 'Rob's Argyle Socks' (AV/d)

Propagation

Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division

Pest resistance

Aphids, Glasshouse leafhopper, Mealybug, Tarsonemid mites

Disease resistance

Botrytis, Powdery mildew

Frequently asked questions

More in the Streptocarpus genus

• 
  Streptocarpus 'Black Panther'Cape Primrose
• 
  Streptocarpus 'Sadie'Cape Primrose
• Streptocarpus 'Aly's Rosy Baby' (AV)African violet 'Alys Rosy Baby'
• Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Black Bird'Cape Primrose
• Streptocarpus 'Midnight Flame'Cape Primrose
• Streptocarpus 'Witch Doctor' (AV/d)African violet 'Witch Doctor'
• Streptocarpus floribundus
• Streptocarpus thompsonii