I just got some nice Streps in trades (thanks Jan and Brenda) and I would really like to know how to take care of them so I don't loose them. I would like to know what soil mix,what type of pots and what ever else will help me keep these alive.
Tami
I'm new to raising Streps
What works for one doesn't always work for another......but since you are in Texas.........i will share what works for me. I use one part African Violet soil-less mix (Schultz at Walmart , etc) 1 part perlite and 1/2 part big vermiculite (as opposed to the tiny tiny vermiculite)............
You want to be sure that the center (crown ) of the plant is up high enough in the pot so they don't rot. You can put them where they get good indirect light from a window but no direct sun. You may also water from the top or the bottom. We really don't like to let them wilt but don't water until they need it. I use 1/2 strength AV fertilizer drops or whatever you have.........
They are relatively easy to grow...........If you got them from Jan and Brenda......they probably don't need repotting now. Also.........one of the biggest mistakes I learned was not to put them in too big of a pot.............if they are small, keep them as long as you can in the 21/2 " pot...........then go to 4" where they should be happy for a year at least.
The biggest killer of a strep is overwatering............
All gessies need to be repotted every 4 or 5 months anyway..................
Good luck...........maybe someone else can add to this...........
Thanks Gail, I'm wondering if the crown issue was not why I have lost AV's in the past. Its good to know. Rhizomatous Begonia's are like that and I lost several before I figured it out.
Tami
Even when I water, Tami.........if I water from the top........I try to get all the water around the crown and now in the middle of the crown...........they are not as sensitive as the begonias but also remember that they are sensitive to too much fertlizer........it doesn't hurt them.......just turns the edges of the leaves brown which can be trimmed up.................
They need the fertilizer all the time but dilute it.........
***********edited to say no water directly on the crown.........
This message was edited Oct 25, 2007 11:16 AM
I'm gonna give them a week and then I'll start fertilizer. Thanks Gail.
Tami
A little trick that I have learned is they like their roots moved. Just insert a thin item like a skewer or paint brush handle into the soil and gently lift the plant up a bit to get air to the roots. You will notice a great difference in their growth once you do.
Dawna
I repot and scratch the root balls more often than any other gesneriad I grow. (this is on the full grown plants)
Dawna...you are so right in moving the soil around while they are rooting. I often use solo cups and 'squash' them every few days while they are rooting.
Dawna, Thanks for the tip.
Tami