Streptocarpus - Propagation

Propagation

Propagation is usually either by seed or leaf cuttings. Some species produce plantlets from the roots, which can be used to propagate the plant. Mature clumps of plants can also be divided up and repotted.

Streptocarpus species seed that has been self pollinated will grow true to type.

Self pollinated hybrid seed will not grow true to type. The only way to propagate hybrid plants and retain the characteristics of the hybrid, is by leaf propagation (or other types of vegetative cloning)

For Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpus:

By seed: Streptocarpus seed is generally very fine (see image gallery below). To germinate, the seed must be scattered thinly on top of potting mix, as they require light to germinate. The pot they are sown in must be covered in clear plastic “cling film” to keep up the humidity. Keep the sown seed where it will get bright, indirect light, and remain about 18-20 degrees Celsius. Keep them out of direct sunlight.

By leaf: A Streptocarpus leaf can be severed at the base (but above where flowers arise), and potted, base-down, in a few centimetres of potting mix. Place a clear plastic bag over the pot and secure with a rubber band to keep up the humidity. Streptocarpus leaves have a high concentration of cytokinin (a type of rooting hormone), so the use of artificial rooting hormones is unnecessary.

Leaf segments, cut either horizontally across the leaf, or vertically along the leaf (removing the midrib), can be used as cuttings in much the same way.

For unifoliates, this method is apparently less successful, but not impossible. However, it must be done before the plant flowers.

By root plantlet: Un-pot a plant that you know is susceptible to producing root plantlets (e.g. Streptocarpus johannis, and Streptocarpus ‘Falling Stars’. You will see, once the roots are exposed, whether any plantlets are formed.

Sometimes, these plantlets will be evident growing out of the holes at the bottom of the pot. You can then snip these plantlets off (preferably with their attached roots), and plant up as for leaf propagation above).

By clump division: You can divide a multi-crown clump into pieces (each with a root system), and plant up as for leaf propagation above.

For Streptocarpus subgenus Streptocarpella:

By seed: Streptocarpus seed is generally very fine. To germinate, the seed must be scattered thinly on top of potting mix, as they require light to germinate. The pot they are sown in must be covered in clear plastic “cling film” to keep up the humidity. Keep the sown seed where it will get bright, indirect light, and remain about 18-20 degrees Celsius. Keep them out of direct sunlight.

By stem cuttings: Cuttings of about 5–10 cm can be taken beneath a leaf node. When the cutting is placed in clean water, it will sprout roots. Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light at about 18-20 degrees Celsius. Once the roots are about 5 cm long, you can pot up the cutting into the soil mixture mentioned above.