Streptocarpus ' Beauty '

[BillC]

I have been gifted this plant and it has such nice form and colour that I thought it deserved an airing on the forum.

Bill

[kid a]

How pretty! I like it alot!

[Greenhouse Gal]

Very nice. Thanks for the picture.

[katrina]

oooooooooooooooh....love the purples!! Very nice!

[brookn]

Bill it's just lovely. I said that I needed one the last time that you posted one of these. I wish that I had bought one now after seeing those great blooms. You should be very proud of it, great growing.

[lmartiny]

Very pretty. It looks like its a gestnarium (sp?) A member recently posted many picts of his collection. Will you try rooting a leaf? Or a seed from that little pod? I have a couple and have considered trying that.

[patticake]

Thanks for the pic! I used to hybridize these! They're wonderful plants to grow. Enjoy!!

[butt0n]

Love the color!

[markclkk]

Very nice.......too bad it can't survive singapore's climate.

[BillC]

Imartiny, the best method I have found is to root a leaf They grow so well from leaf cuttings that I never try to grow from seed. Some of the latest hybrids will flower the whole year round given the right conditions. My relative, who originally gave me this plant amongst others, has a continuous display of twenty plus plants in bloom in a conservatory throughout the year. They are very rewarding.

Streptocarpus, although having a leaf similar to primroses, are not related to them, but belong to the Gesneriad family, which also includes African Violets (Saintpaulias), Columneas and Achimines. Streptocarpus fall into two distinct groups: those with stems, the Streptocarpellas, for example Streptocarpus saxorum, and the more commonly known types with a rosette of leaves. It is from these rosette types that the modern hybrids have been bred.

Bill

[patticake]

The fun of raising them from seed, is getting new varieties! The leaf cuttings are identical to the parent, as meristem cloning or keiki's give you with orchids. You should give hybridizing a shot! You have nothing to lose. It's not nearly as involved as it is with orchids.

[BillC]

Hi Patti, would you care to post a hybridizing technique for me and give me some idea of the time frame from start to seeing blooms on the new plants. I would also pass on methodology to people I know who may be interested.

Thanks a bunch, Bill

[lmartiny]

Thanks for all of the info Bill and Patticake. I'm going to give it a try.
Lynne

[markclkk]

Please spare me some seeds if you have a lot of extra. Hopefully one of them are able to grow here in singapore.

[articuno75]

I could imagine a sea of purple with these....

Beautiful

[tizzycat]

I love streptocarpus, they're so bright and cheery.