How streptocarpus reproduce
How can you propagate streptocarpus at home? There are several options. Young seedlings can be grown from any part of the mother plant, it is enough to root it.
Germinating seeds
Indoor petunia - care and cultivation at home
Streptocarpus from seeds at home can be propagated without much effort. In a short time after planting, they germinate and take root well. The only feature is the lack of transfer of hybrid properties to young plants. Therefore, planting material must be bought in proven places.
Reproduction takes place according to the scheme:
- pre-prepared soil is abundantly moistened from a spray bottle, sent to the greenhouse;
- seed material is not buried, but scattered over the surface;
- containers are exposed closer to the sun;
- the greenhouse is covered with a lid;
- aired daily for 15 minutes.
Important! With proper care, the first shoots should be expected in 2 weeks.
Rooting cuttings, leaves, leaf fragments
Streptocarpus can be propagated by dividing an adult bush with several outlets. Each of them must have a growing point and root system. After watering, the bush is removed from the container and divided into several parts. The sections are sprinkled with coal powder, the resulting seedlings are planted in different containers. They look after them according to the standard scheme.
When streptocarpus is propagated by leaf fragments, a middle-aged plate should be taken and cut according to the scheme:
- across - into 2 parts;
- along - into 2 parts;
- the central vein is cut out.
You need to plant the shares with a cut down, in mini-greenhouses. The first shoots will appear in 2 months, then they can be fed.
Leaf propagation
Problems and solutions
With proper care, growing streptocarpus is not a big deal. But if you regularly violate the norms of agricultural technology, then problems may arise with the plant. Often, flower growers are faced with such negative points:
- The leaves of the plant wither. Insufficient watering leads to this phenomenon. To remedy the situation, moisten the soil, and do not allow it to dry out in the future.
- Leaves turn yellow. This is how the plant reacts to the lack of nutrients in the substrate. Feed your streptocarpus and the leaves will return to their natural color.
- The tips of the leaves dry up. Insufficient humidity in the room leads to this phenomenon. To remedy the situation, place a humidifier or at least a container of water next to the pot. And also regularly spray the air around the plant with warm water from a spray bottle, being careful not to get moisture on the leaves.
- The leaves are covered with a rusty coating. Excessive watering or excess nutrients in the substrate leads to a similar phenomenon. If the problem arose due to waterlogging, then first let the soil dry completely, and then normalize the irrigation schedule. Keep in mind that streptocarpus tolerates drought more easily than dampness. If rust on the leaves appears due to overfeeding, then transplant the flower into a peat-based substrate. Subsequently, fertilize streptocarpus every two weeks. In this case, use only half of the dosage that is indicated on the package.
- The plant does not bloom. Streptocarpus may not release buds due to a cramped pot or lack of light. Transplant the plant or place it closer to a window and it will release new flower stalks. But if the plant is old, then it will be impossible to get buds from it, because each leaf of the culture gives no more than 10 flowers. In this case, do not rush to throw out the streptocarpus. It can be updated, for example, by dividing a bush or by leaf propagation.
Heed these tips and tricks, and growing and caring for Streptocarpus shouldn't be too much of a hassle for you.
Possible problems in growing streptocarpus
The main problematic and weak points of culture are diseases of leaf plates, attacks of parasitic insects. Most pathologies are associated with a violation of the rules of agricultural technology:
- The leaves turn pale. Blanching is recorded with insufficient intake of nutrients or strong growth of the bush. The best solution to the problem is transplanting and adding a special nutrient mixture.
- The tips of the leaves dry. Drying is observed with excessively dry air or a tight container. The tips of the plates will stop drying after transferring the bush to a new container and normalizing the humidity in the room.
- Leaves fall. The lethal heat causes lethargy and shedding of foliage. The culture should be moved to a colder room with diffused lighting. Remove damaged plates.
Pests
The appearance of thrips, aphids, spider mites and scale insects is associated with increased dryness of the indoor air. If parasitic insects are found, it is necessary to increase the humidity, carry out treatment with insecticides. Experienced growers prefer to use Fitoverm. With its help, you can destroy various types of parasites. The solution is considered less toxic than similar drugs.
Important! It is necessary to spray not only the green part of the bushes, but also the substrate in the pot, since many insects like to hide in it. Defeat by thrips
Defeat by thrips
Other problems
The tropical origin of the culture requires its own characteristics: it needs light and airy land, sufficient drainage and the absence of stagnant water. With constant overflows, the root system of the bush will begin to rot, it will stop throwing out children and form buds.
Domestic specimens are often affected by a variety of fungal infections. The list includes rust, rot and powdery mildew. Pathology develops due to improper supervision: constant fluid stagnation or temperature violations. In order to avoid active reproduction of diseases, it is necessary to carry out regular inspections of the plant and timely spray the affected bushes with fungicidal solutions. All damaged areas are removed before irrigation.
Streptocarpus is famous for its unpretentiousness, but leaving it on the windowsill and occasionally watering it will not work. He needs a certain temperature, humidity, feeding and diffused lighting with a maximum daylight hours.
Landing
The ideal time for sowing streptocarpus for seedlings is considered to be the end of January - beginning of February. This process is painstaking and does not tolerate haste. Small bowls are prepared for future seedlings, on the bottom of which drainage is performed. Soil or a ready-made substrate is poured onto the drainage layer, then the soil is moistened.
The seeds are planted in the soil superficially, they are not covered with earth from above and do not deepen into it, although they are sometimes sprayed from above from a fine-dispersed sprayer. After planting, the container is covered with plastic wrap or glass on top to ensure a greenhouse effect. The dish is removed to a warm place, where the temperature is approximately + 21-24 degrees.
During the entire period of their germination, it is necessary to regularly remove glass or film from the container in order to ventilate the seedlings. Do not place the container in a dark place, as this can increase the germination time and cause the sprouts to stretch upward in search of the sun. As a result, they will be elongated, but weak. Watering at this time is carried out through a pan so as not to wash out the seeds and exclude their rotting.
As for the stratification of perennials, its relevance must be looked at on seed packs while still in the store. If it is not indicated there that it is necessary to stratify streptocarpus, there is no point in this procedure. This will not affect germination, because in perennials, the best and highest quality seeds are those that are planted immediately after ripening.
Reproduction of streptocarpus leaf
Flower propagation is carried out in several ways.Rooting methods can seem daunting at first glance. In fact, they are lightweight and almost identical.
Read more Why do streptocarpus leaves dry (wither): photos, reasons and what to do
How to root a streptocarpus leaf in the ground
Rooting occurs after 14 days. Babies begin to appear after 1.5-2 months.
Rooting of streptocarpus with a leaf is chosen by flower growers more often than other methods. If you carry out the process correctly, then the plant will surely please with healthy offspring.
How to plant streptocarpus in the ground:
- Take a pot of no more than 100 ml volume. A plastic cup with holes will do. Better to use a glass. This will allow you to easily track the development of the root system.
- Fill ⅓ part with soil, make a hole.
- Disinfect the cut leaf with a solution to protect the plant from infections and fungal diseases.
- Deepen it 1.5-2 cm into the soil. Do not tamp.
When the children appear and grow up to 2 cm, you can transplant them into a separate container. It is recommended to keep them in a greenhouse, sometimes airing them. So the kids will gradually get used to indoor conditions.
How to propagate streptocarpus from a leaf can be seen in the video:
How to root a streptocarpus leaf in water
The chances of propagating the plant in water are very small. More effective is a leaf fragment with central and lateral veins.
Reproduction in water is a long and painstaking procedure. If in Saintpaulia it is enough to cut a small shoot, then with streptocarpus everything is more difficult.
Reproduction of streptocarpus in water:
- Cut off a 5 cm long leaf or take a small stalk. Powder the cut with charcoal.
- Pour half of the water into a glass and put the streptocarpus in the water. Use the liquid boiled and cooled to room temperature. You can take rainwater.
- Water needs to be added periodically. Sometimes even babies are formed.
When a good root system is formed, the plant should be transplanted into the ground.
A greenhouse is not needed for breeding in water
Reproduction of streptocarpus by a fragment of a leaf
Reproduction of streptocarpus from a leaf is very easy, in many ways easier than that of African violets and many other indoor plants. It happens quite quickly and profusely.
If you follow these simple, step-by-step instructions, you will have no problem getting more plants of your favorite varieties:
- Cut off the healthy part with scissors. It is best to use a species that is mature, but not too old. Plants that have a lot of veins are best suited for reproduction. For the rooting of streptocarpus with a leaf fragment, a part of 1.5-3 cm is enough.
- Remove the middle part - the large vein. If the leaf is large, trim off some of the outer edges.
- Make a gap or furrow in the root medium in which the leaf area can be placed. Make sure the soil is very light and porous. It should be moist, but not soggy.
- Place the resulting fragment in a glass with soil to a depth of 6-10 mm. It is advisable to place it vertically, then the likelihood of decay is small.
More Streptocarpus: photo of flowers with names and descriptions, video
Be sure to stick the name of the variety that will be propagated on the pot.
If streptocarpus is propagated from a leaf fragment, it may lose turgor immediately after transplantation. To do this, the pot must be placed in a greenhouse, and after 14 days the turgor will be restored.
How to root a piece of streptocarpus leaf
Reproduction is also carried out from fragments. To do this, choose a large sheet with a noticeable number of veins. The more there are, the more babies will appear.
Rooting streptocarpus with a leaf fragment - step by step instructions:
- Disinfect the knife or blade. Cut off the sheet, cut across, removing the central vein. It turns out 2 parts.
- Pour soil into a low bowl up to 30 mm high or a square pot with a layer of up to 2 cm.
- Make shallow grooves in the soil, place the fragments in them and sprinkle lightly.
After 2 months, small children will appear near the side veins. After another 60 days, they will reach a length of 3-4 cm. Now they can be deposited from the mother leaf.
The video will tell you about the reproduction of streptocarpus with a fragment of a leaf:
How to care for this flower?
Consider how to properly care for a plant so that it grows and develops quickly.
Soil and fertilizers
The soil for the plant needs loose, air and moisture permeable. A perfect substrate for violets. Add a little perlite or peat to it. When making your own potting mix, you can use the following recipes:
- Deciduous soil, peat, sand (2: 1: 1).
- Peat, perlite, sphagnum moss - in equal parts.
- Deciduous humus, bark, peat, sand - in equal proportions.
Add a little crushed charcoal to the prepared substrate. Thanks to it, stagnation of water in the soil and rotting of the root system are prevented.
For growing streptocarpus, you can use a mixture of peat and vermiculite, taken in equal proportions. If you plant the plant in only one peat, then you need to take into account that watering should be frequent. Otherwise, the peat will turn into a monolithic dry piece.
Reference! Sterilize a purchased substrate or prepared independently before using for planting a plant. To do this, keep it in the oven for 15 minutes.
From spring to autumn, streptocarpus requires regular feeding. Perform them every 7-10 days. Liquid complex formulations are suitable for flowering indoor plants. For this culture, you can alternate potash and nitrogen remedies. Only the dosage indicated on the package should be reduced by 2 times. In winter, top dressing is not required.
Regular fertilization will allow you to achieve a beautiful and abundant flowering.
Fertilize young plants that have been recently rooted with nitrogen compounds. When buds are formed, mixtures with a predominance of potassium and phosphorus are used. You can buy ready-made fertilizers:
- A new ideal.
- Violet.
- Superbloom.
- Kemira Suite.
Apply nutrients only to moist soil, preferably after watering. This will avoid scalding the roots of the plant.
Pruning
In order for the plant to produce as many peduncles as possible, it is necessary to carry out regular pruning. To do this, remove the lower old leaves, as they take away the strength and nutrients from the flower.
Watering
To moisturize, use soft, settled or melted water. Its temperature should be room temperature. The plant tolerates a lack of moisture better than excess. So it is undesirable to flood streptocarpus, as it will die from this.
Humidification should be moderate. Perform the next watering only after the middle layer of soil in the pot has dried out. The best option is to water from a pallet or along the edge of the pot. After half an hour after moistening, remove the remaining liquid from the pan.
Important! When watering, make sure that the water does not penetrate the leaves and flowers.
Humidity
For the successful cultivation of a flower, it is necessary to maintain a humidity in the region of 50-70%. To achieve this goal, place containers of water near the flower. It is strictly forbidden to moisten the aerial parts of the plant.
Temperature
Streptocarpus responds positively to heat. In summer, the optimal temperature regime remains 20-25 degrees. When the temperature rises, proportionally increase the air humidity: in winter, for ordinary varieties of plants, the temperature will be 15-18 degrees, for hybrid varieties - 18-20 degrees
It is important not to allow the temperature to drop below 13 degrees, and for hybrids - 16 degrees
Drafts are detrimental to the flower, so it is important to protect it from them. It is not recommended to take out pots under the open sky, since the plant feels comfortable in indoor conditions.
Streptocarpus transplant
In a month and a half, when the children feel cramped in small cups, I transfer them into plastic pots no more than 8-9 cm in diameter.For first-year plants, this volume is enough. The soil for adult specimens should be rich in organic matter, but always light, loose and airy. Approximately 4-6 months after planting a leaf fragment, you can enjoy the first flowers - this is a worthy reward for work, diligence and patience.
It is often recommended to dry the slices for a few minutes before planting. But I did not notice any difference between dried and non-dried cuttings, so I immediately plant them, burying them by a centimeter. Since the soil in the containers is moist, I do not water it after planting, but I spray the cuttings from a spray bottle with an Isar or Epin solution.
After that, I sign the names of the varieties and the date of planting, close the container with a lid and put it in a bright, warm place. It is good if there is a backlit shelving unit. If not, it doesn’t matter, a window sill will do, provided that the container will not be exposed to direct sunlight, otherwise the cuttings will simply “cook” in it.
Reference by topic: Plant propagation Part 1 Part 2 and Part 3
Why streptocarpus does not bloom: diseases, problems and pests
Spider mite on streptocarpus
A plant may not bloom for the following reasons:
- A variety is grown that simply does not bloom in the cold season.
- The age at which the plant is just beginning to gain strength.
- Streptocarpus will not bloom if it is improperly looked after. Improper watering, feeding and transplanting can cause the buds to not bloom.
To avoid such problems, the flower must be properly looked after, as well as damaged areas must be removed and the bush must be treated with fungicides.
Pests can be dangerous to a flower only if it is not properly cared for. The most dangerous are thrips, spider mites and aphids. To combat them, it is enough to regularly treat the bush with insecticides.
Important! Non-infected plants growing next to a sick individual must be treated for preventive purposes. Streptocarpus will be an excellent option for an ornamental plant for growing at home
The most common varieties, such as Crocus and the like, will create a feeling of coziness and comfort at home.
Streptocarpus will be an excellent ornamental plant for growing at home. The most common varieties, such as Crocus and the like, will create a sense of coziness and comfort at home.
Streptocarpus description and features
There are more than 130 species of this amazing flower in the world. In addition, there are decorative hybrid varieties. However, they are all characterized by the following features of appearance: Perennial plants without stems. They are grown exclusively at home; plants do not take root on the street due to the harsh Russian climate. The seed pod after ripening has a spiral curved shape. Thanks to this nuance, the flower got its name (from the ancient Greek "streptocarpus" - "curved box"). The leaves are long, converging at the base into a small rosette. In some varieties, the leaves reach 30 cm with wavy or even edges. They are variegated, bright emerald, pale green. The volume of greenery also varies: some varieties boast many leaves, others have only one. The flowers are regular, semi-double and double. Their diameter also depends on the variety - they can grow from 2 to 9 cm. If the flowers are very small, a lot of them grow on the peduncle. And there is only one "giant flower" on the peduncle. Streptocarpus coloration is amazing. They can be any: all shades of red / blue / purple, yellow, white. And single hybrids and veggies are painted in two or three different colors.
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In its beauty, streptocarpus is not inferior to the magnificent saintpaulia (uzambara violet), and some species even overtake it in their grace. At the same time, it is much easier to care for a streptocarpus than for a violet.
So, he is not capricious when ripe and does not lose leaves at the slightest change in the weather. At the same time, plants with miniature flowers are ideal for summer residents with a limited area for planting. But if in America this unique plant has already gained significant distribution, then we only take root.
Description of the plant
Streptocarpus is an annual or perennial shrub that grows in the tropical forests of Africa and East Asia. The plant does not tolerate shade at all. Given the fact that mainly hybrids are grown on the windowsills, the seed propagation method will not allow the sprouts to inherit the properties of the mother plant. However, among other breeding techniques, it is considered the most effective.
Streptocarpus is also unique in that it can be made to bloom almost all year round. For this, artificial conditions for comfortable growth and development are created for him. The ornamental plant has about 130 varieties, which, depending on the type, can differ in appearance and growing conditions. For example, among them there are herbaceous varieties and plants that feel comfortable in dry climates.
Flowers also differ, which can be simple, semi-double and densely double. Their color is very diverse, you can grow not only monochromatic, but also bicolor streptocarpus with different types of color. For example, it can be a pale blue flower with dark blue stripes on the lower petals, or a double specimen with a pink top and a yellowish milky bottom.
The shape of the petals also differs: depending on the type, it can be pronounced, divided into 5 petals or double-corrugated, where the petals seem to be something single, cut along the edges.
Streptocarpus - description, belonging to the family
For the first time, the streptocarpus flower was discovered in 1818 in the mountains of South Africa. Its name is a combination of two Greek words: streptos - curled and karpos - fruit. The bush was named for a reason. The fact is that its seeds during the ripening period are in the shape of a box. It is characterized by large leaf plates and long peduncles, on which buds of a blue or purple hue are located.
Streptocarpus (appearance)
Additional Information! The homeland of streptocarpus is the Cape province of South Africa. Therefore, it is also often called the Cape primrose.
Currently, almost 150 species of wild Cape Primrose are known. Some of them grow on rocky surfaces, others on trees. Depending on the variety, flowers can grow in the shade or in sunny glades. They can be both annuals and perennials. But they all have one thing in common - they belong to the Gesneriev family.
Domestic varieties are usually not large in size - they rarely reach a height of more than 40 cm, and the flower stalks grow no more than 25 cm.The leaves of the flower are quite large - 30 cm in length and up to 7 cm in width.
Blooming buds, in addition to the standard color, can have different shades:
- red,
- purple
- pink,
- yellow,
- black,
- with stripes,
- speckled,
- with patterns.
It is interesting! Another distinguishing feature of streptocarpus is the spiral-shaped fruit.
When to plant and what conditions are needed for this?
Before landing, it is worth considering some conditions:
The room for the flower is selected cool
The temperature should be around +12 .. + 14 degrees.
The air should be humid.
Diffused lighting is required.
An important factor is the correct selection of the container for the flower.
It is also important to know what kind of soil mixture is needed ..When should you plant? Planting is done in summer.
It is best to do this in June, then you can be sure that the cyclamen will bloom in the fall. If planted in August, flowers will appear in late autumn or winter.
When should you plant? The plant is planted in summer. It is best to do this in June, then you can be sure that the cyclamen will bloom in the fall. If planted in August, flowers will appear in late autumn or winter.
Preparation: soil and pot
Priming. For planting, you will need a nutritious and lightweight substrate that will pass air and moisture well. The mixture is prepared from equal portions of leafy earth, sand, humus and peat
You can also buy ready-made soil for cyclamens.
Important! The acidity level should not exceed 5.5-6.5 pH.
Pot. The plant does not feel comfortable in large containers
A pot of 10-14 centimeters would be a suitable size. If you take less container, the cyclamen will bloom poorly and ahead of time. A large pot will cause root rot. At the base of the container, there must be a hole of about 1-2 centimeters. It is necessary for the smooth passage of water.
Seeds
- Before planting the seeds, they must be kept in a weak solution of potassium permanganate for 12 hours.
- In the previously prepared soil, you need to make a groove of 10 mm, which is then watered abundantly.
- The distance at which the seeds are placed should be 2-3 centimeters. Then they are covered with earth.
- After the seeds have been planted, they are covered with plastic or glass.
- When the first shoots appear, you need to remove the film or glass.
- Now the sprouts are moved to a well-lit place and positioned so that direct sunlight does not fall on the flower.
- When several leaves are formed on the seedlings, they are planted in pots of 2-3 pieces.
- During transplanting, the tubers must be completely covered with soil.
- After 5-6 months, the cyclamen is planted in a larger pot.
From the video you will learn how to sow the seeds of Cyclamen:
Tubers
- First, the bulb is removed from the soil and dried.
- Then it is cut with a knife, while leaving at least one kidney and a couple of roots in each of the parts.
- Next, we leave it in a dark place in order for the cut to dry.
- The cut must be sprinkled with charcoal or crushed activated carbon. This will help fight disease and germs.
- Be sure to need drainage in the pot; expanded clay is suitable as drainage.
- After planting the tuber, the pot should be removed from direct rays.
Reproduction and planting at home
The process of planting and growing crops requires compliance with the following conditions:
- Transplant newly acquired young specimens 2 weeks after purchase. To do this, use a transparent container. This will allow you to monitor the development of the root system in the future.
- For successful cultivation, plant the flower in shallow containers. This will ensure lush flowering and green mass build-up. The more points of growth a plant has, the more it will release peduncles.
- Young specimens must be looked after correctly. First, such plants must build up green mass, and only then bloom. So it is recommended to cut off the formed peduncles.
- Correctly selected temperature regime, air humidity and systemic irrigation will allow you to grow and reproduce a beautiful decorative flowering culture.
Recommendations for planting and germinating seeds
Seed propagation is called generative. This process is simple, but it involves the observance of certain recommendations:
The planting material is sown on top of a wet substrate. It consists of perlite, crushed peat and vermiculite, taken in equal proportions.
Seeds can be mixed with sand
It should be dry and fine.
After sowing, carefully sprinkle the planting material with water from a sprayer. Cover the container with polyethylene.
Place the container with seedlings in a warm and bright place.
It is necessary to wait for shoots in 12-14 days.
Ventilate the mini greenhouse every day to avoid condensation.
As soon as the seedlings have 2 leaves, then you can start picking
To do this, prepare a nutritious substrate: peat, crushed moss, leaf earth, vermiculite, perlite: 3: 2: 2: 1: 1. Instead of the prepared substrate, a purchased one, intended for Saintpaulias, is also suitable.
Reproduction of streptocarpus by seeds: