I'm living in Chicago with its excruciating Summer temps and humidity and I'm wondering if anyone has any experience in growing Streps in hot, humid weather. I will definitely wick them and put them on the floor if necessary.
Streptocarpus 'Bristol's Red Typhoon'
They don't like heat (indoors).Try to keep them in the coolest spot and run a fan in the room for circulation.I am not sure wicking will work for them in the summer.Maybe Jim, Bonnie,or someone else who doesn't lose as many as I do will come along to answer that.
Lynn
I definitely noticed the benefit of using a fan in the summer. I had AC--but used it during the hottest, most humid weather. I also decreased the light during the hottest part of the day. My experience is that wicking streps keeps them too moist--at least with the soil I used in the past.
These are georgeous. I have a lavender with purple stripes in bloom. I grew it from seed. I do not have a camera which can instantly post pictures, but if I did, I would send it. I especially like the red one. Luciee
I actually had good success wicking pretty much everything from Achimenes to Sinningia. The key with wicking is the soil. What I do is take 1 part of my regular mix and 1 part Perlite. This makes for an extra fluffy soil that stays moist but not wet. I also change the fertilizer solution in the reservoirs often and flush the soil with clear water every 4-6 weeks to prevent salt buildup. This and frequent repotting keeps my plants pretty happy.
The fan-idea is great. I bet that all my plants (and I) will love it. :)
The red Strep literally jumped at me and I wasn't able to imagine a life without it...
It is one of the exceptional Streps.
I have some Streps. on wick,but my mixture is more like 70% perlite.They are fine right now,but I'm not sure when summer comes.They may need to be a little dryer then.
Lynn
keep them cool and and if you have air condioning
JIM
Long time, no post - on this thread...
Well, these are two examples of Streptocarpus that haven't shown any sign of heat stress in a room that, during Summer, hardly ever dips below 80 degrees - at night... No sign of heat stress whatsoever. So far...
Streptocarpus 'Pale Ryder'. This has been an exceptional one for me. Blooming non stop. Giving me two pods full of seeds to try different methods with. Just an overall winner!
One flaw: Each flower doesn't last very long... However, flowers are produced in abundance.
Streptocarpus 'Brocade Velvet'. Growing right next to 'Pale Ryder'.
Very nice,especially Pale Ryder.
Thanks Lynn!
I'm usually not the biggest fan of white flowers but I loke this one a lot.
They definitely do NOT like the heat. As others have said, fans, A/C. Mine are doing alright despite it being 90F. where they are right now.
Well, I'm just trying a few hybrids to see how they will do through Summer. So far, everything has been going well but we haven't had a prolonged heatwave this year. In case we should get one in August and September, I would not be surprised to see them decline fast. However, a bit of overpotting and a pretty heavy watering hand have been able to do the job so far...
Let us know how this works Olaf.It's just the opposite of how most people grow Streps. so I am curious.
Lynn
Thanks Lynn!
I will keep you all posted on my success or failure... LOL
Well, after getting some leaf damage from wilting every time I forgot to water my Streps, I decided to go the "Kohleria route" and overpot them slightly and keep them on the moist side.
I assume that water evaporation in the larger pots helps keep the roots a bit cooler and that seems to have helped them survive so far.
I am looking forward to seeing how it works.Right now I have some Streps. in 70/30 mix on baby yarn wicks(my old way was to let them dry almost to wilting point).Most really like it,but not the babies.
Lynn
