Streptocarpus ionantha 'Alissa' - Welsh Grown
Sprouts of BristolScientific Name
Streptocarpus ionantha (twisted fruit with violet flower)
Common Name
African Violet, Saintpaulia, Kenya Violet, Usambra Violet, Cape Primrose
Origin
Native to Eastern and Southwestern Tanzania
Description
Despite the name, the African Violet is not a violet- but it will produce flowers in a rainbow of colours! Choose this plant for a bright, contrasting display with lush green foliage and bright blooms. Flowering in late spring will be more likely if your Streptocarpus has had a nice winter rest, or dormancy period, with lower temperatures and less water. Deadheading the spent flowers can encourage longer bloom times, too, and even when the plant is not flowering you'll have its gorgeous broad green leaves to admire, which will keep growing, albeit more slowly, while the plant is dormant.
Light
In Spring and Summer, provide bright but indiret light; to help with its dormancy in autumn and winter, add a couple of hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water
Streptocarpus love consistency with soil moisture. Water thoroughly once the top third of the soil dries and let excess water drain out. Reduce watering in autumn and winter so as not to overdo it!
Humidity
Likes fairly humid air and will benefit from a pebble tray. If the tips of the leaves start to brown and curl, this is a sign that the air is a little dry! Hose down the leaves every few weeks to stop dust gathering.
Soil
Use a well-draining houseplant soil to ensure its roots aren't too soggy. A mix with added sand or coir would work well! Repot every 3-4 years in spring when not in bloom as the plant grows.
Food
Feed every couple of weeks in the growing season, reduce to every month in autumn and winter. When in bloom, use a feed high in potassium to prolong blooming.
Temperature
Average household temperatures of about 14-20°C are ideal- make sure it doesn't drop far below 12°C in winter.
Pet-safe
Yes, but too much nibbling won't be good for pets, small humans or the plant!
Sprouts Top Tips
Streptocarpi go through a dormancy period in autumn and winter; at these times be sure to fertilise and water less as the plant is growing less. It would also appreciate ambient temperatures being lower, at about 12°C.
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Begonia Rex “dewdrop” - really well packaged and in great condition. Fab selection of begonias and will definitely be shopping at Sprouts again!
Lovely baby Strawberry Begonia arrived well-packaged and has already got new growths coming. Super healthy and good value - highly recommend!
My new fave shop! Brilliant selection of plants and mine arrived really well wrapped. Loved the handwritten note as well :). The TLC box was really good value and included some very exciting ones I’ve never had before. Will definitely order again, thank you Sprouts!!
In a slightly too small pot but in lovely condition and well cared for
Fills a space beautifully with dark reds and greens. Looks healthy and well cared for
A beautiful little plant that's been well cared for and looks wonderful
Plant came well packaged and healthy and is now thriving
Plant came packaged properly and was healthy and is happy in my room
Package came and was delivered healthy and happy. It is unfortunately now deceased but that's on me. This is my second moss (from different stores) and I can't keep them alive for the life of me!!!!
Very good quality cork- it didn't fit perfectly largely thanks to my own mistake I'm going to order the right size when I get paid! 🤣
Just what I wanted! Very nice
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Another great selection from this seller, arrived quickly and very well and carefully packaged, and with instructions for care. Thank you 😊
Check the size!! This product is TINY - i misjudged based on the photo and didnt read the description properly - i realise this is my fault but i was swayed by the images. This is not a stool for a plant - what plant exist this small?! It fits in the palm of my hand, so disappointed and annoyed with myself. Haven't a clue what to do with this product. Baffled. All that aside, given full marks because delivery was excellent, and the product is well made and lovely to look at. Just not sure what to use it for.
Loving these adorable pots! High quality, beautiful, and most importantly plants are loving them more!
Beautiful plants, thanks again 😊
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