{"product_id":"streptocarpus-kirkii-welsh-grown","title":"Streptocarpus kirkii - Welsh Grown","description":"\u003cp\u003eA charming species with delicate flowers and a creeping habit, Streptocarpus kirkii is very different from the large-flowered Cape Primroses commonly grown as houseplants. Native to eastern Africa, it forms low rosettes of softly hairy leaves and produces elegant violet-blue flowers over a long period when grown in the right conditions. It’s an excellent choice for terrariums, vivariums or bright, humid indoor spaces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eStreptocarpus kirkii\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNamed in honour of Sir John Kirk, the Scottish physician, explorer and botanist who collected plants throughout East Africa during the 19th century.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eCape Primrose, Kirk’s Streptocarpus\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEastern Africa, including Tanzania and Malawi, where it grows on shaded rocky outcrops and in moist forest habitats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal, although it also grows well under grow lights. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the leaves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eKeep the compost lightly moist, allowing the top 1–2cm to dry slightly between waterings. Water around the base of the plant and avoid wetting the leaves, as they can mark easily. Reduce watering slightly during the cooler months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eEnjoys moderate to high humidity (around 50–70%). It appreciates increased humidity but should always have good air circulation to help prevent fungal problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThrives between 16–24°C. Avoid temperatures below 10°C and protect from cold draughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eUse a light, free-draining mix. A blend of peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite and fine orchid bark works well, providing both moisture retention and excellent drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeed every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser at half strength. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA compact, spreading perennial with softly textured green leaves. It remains relatively small, typically reaching 10–15cm tall while spreading gradually by offsets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlowers\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eProduces delicate, tubular violet to lavender-blue flowers with pale throats, usually from spring through autumn. With good care, flowering can continue for many months.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eToxicity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eGenerally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, although it is still best to prevent pets from chewing the foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"6cm","offer_id":58494060036477,"sku":"1215794206871","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/products\/streptocarpus-kirkii-welsh-grown","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}