Streptocarpus 'Sadie' (Cape Primrose) — Clump forming

Overview

Streptocarpus 'Sadie' is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Streptocarpus, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Streptocarpus 'Sadie' 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 'Sadie' is a clump-forming Gesneriad grown as a conservatory or houseplant for its salverform, orchid-like flowers that appear from June to October. It has deciduous foliage and prefers a sheltered position. Place it where it receives full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained loam or sandy growing medium.

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 'Sadie' belongs to the genus Streptocarpus in the family Gesneriaceae, a group originating in Afromontane regions of Africa including Madagascar and the Comoro Islands. Members of the genus produce five-petalled, salverform flowers that arch or hover above the leaves; cultivars such as 'Sadie' are grown under glass or indoors for that floral display. Grow Streptocarpus 'Sadie' in a loam- or sand-based compost that holds moisture while draining freely; soil pH is not critical and it will tolerate acid, neutral or alkaline mixes. Position plants where they receive full sun to partial shade — south-, east- or west-facing windows are suitable — and protect them from cold winds or severe exposure. The plant is assigned UK hardiness H1c, meaning it is tender and should be kept frost-free in a conservatory or inside during winter. Use 'Sadie' as a houseplant or greenhouse specimen where its clump-forming habit and flowering habit can be appreciated. Keep conditions consistently moist but not waterlogged and provide a sheltered siting to avoid stress. Its salverform blooms arch over the foliage from June to October, so position pots where the flowers are clearly visible.

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 'Sadie' 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 'Sadie'

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 'Sadie'?

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

What soil does Streptocarpus 'Sadie' need?

Streptocarpus 'Sadie' 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 'Sadie' hardy in the UK?

Streptocarpus 'Sadie' 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 'Sadie'?

Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division.

More in the Streptocarpus genus

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