Overview
Streptocarpus shumensis (AV) is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Streptocarpus, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Streptocarpus shumensis (AV) 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 shumensis, synonym Saintpaulia shumensis, is a species of Streptocarpus in the section Saintpaulia. It is endemic to Shume in the west Usambara Mountains and also from the northern Nguru Mountains, both in Tanzania, where it grows at elevations of 1,300 to 2,000 meters above sea level.
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 shumensis (AV) 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 shumensis (AV)
- 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 shumensis (AV)?
Streptocarpus shumensis (AV) prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Streptocarpus shumensis (AV) need?
Streptocarpus shumensis (AV) 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 shumensis (AV) hardy in the UK?
Streptocarpus shumensis (AV) 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 shumensis (AV)?
Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division.
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 'Rob's Argyle Socks' (AV/d)Cape Primrose
- Streptocarpus 'Witch Doctor' (AV/d)African violet 'Witch Doctor'
- Streptocarpus floribundus