Streptocarpus thompsonii — Clump forming

Overview

Streptocarpus thompsonii is a clump forming conservatory greenhouse in the genus Streptocarpus, part of the Gesneriaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Streptocarpus thompsonii 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 thompsonii is a clump-forming Gesneriad grown under glass and as a houseplant. The foliage is deciduous and the plant produces flowers in the UK from June to October. It prefers bright, sheltered sites and will tolerate full sun or partial shade on south-, east- or west-facing positions. Use a loam- or sand-based, moist but well-drained compost with neutral to acid or alkaline pH and keep it frost-free (H1c).

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, Streptocarpus thompsonii is from a group of mainly Afrotropical Gesneriads that are commonly cultivated under glass. In cultivation it forms clumps of foliage and is treated chiefly as a conservatory or houseplant rather than an outdoor perennial in the UK. Expect the main display of flowers from June to October under British conditions. Plant this Streptocarpus in a free-draining compost based on loam or sand, kept consistently moist but never waterlogged; the species accepts a wide soil pH range from acid to alkaline. Sit it in a bright, sheltered spot where it receives full sun or dappled light, on a south-, east- or west-facing windowsill or shelf in a greenhouse or conservatory. The stated hardiness H1c equates to a tender plant that must be kept frost-free, so move pots indoors or ensure reliable protection during any cold weather. Streptocarpus thompsonii suits dedicated houseplant collections and protected glasshouses where temperature and light can be controlled. Because the foliage is deciduous, reduce watering when the leaves die back and resume a brighter, slightly wetter regime as new growth appears in the growing season.

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 thompsonii 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 thompsonii

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 thompsonii?

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

What soil does Streptocarpus thompsonii need?

Streptocarpus thompsonii 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 thompsonii hardy in the UK?

Streptocarpus thompsonii 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 thompsonii?

Leaf cuttings, Seed, Division.

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