Overview
Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt is a member of the Gesneriaceae family. It is commonly known as the Forest Streptocarpus due to its preference for growing in forested areas. The plant is native to South Africa, where it can be found growing on rocky slopes and in shady areas. It is a popular plant among collectors, primarily for its attractive, velvety leaves and delicate flowers.
Appearance
The Forest Streptocarpus is a small, herbaceous plant that typically grows to around 20-30cm in height. Its leaves are soft and velvety, with a deep green color and a slightly serrated edge. The leaves grow in a rosette formation and give the plant a compact appearance. The flowers of the Forest Streptocarpus are small and delicate, with a trumpet-like shape. They are typically pink or purple in color and have dark purple stripes on the inside of the petals.
Uses
Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt is primarily used as an ornamental plant. Its attractive leaves and delicate flowers make it a popular choice for indoor gardens, terrariums, and as a houseplant. The plant is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in a variety of conditions, from bright, indirect sunlight to low-light areas. It is also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a great choice for improving indoor air quality.
In traditional African medicine, the leaves of the Forest Streptocarpus have been used to treat conditions such as stomach ailments, colds, and flu. However, there is little scientific evidence to support these claims, and the plant should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Light Requirements
Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt generally prefers bright, filtered light. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant, especially during the summer months. It is important to provide the plant with at least 12 hours of light per day, either through natural or artificial sources. Placing the plant near a north, east or west-facing windowsill can provide the necessary light the plant needs to thrive.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt is between 18°C and 26°C (64°F – 79°F). The plant can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but avoid temperatures below 10°C (50°F) as this can harm the plant. Care should be taken to avoid any sudden fluctuations in temperature, which may cause stress and damage to the plant.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining soil mix that retains moisture is recommended for Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt. The soil should be rich in organic matter, slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5-6.5, and aerated soil with good drainage properties. Ideal soil mix can be a mixture of coco peat, perlite, and vermiculite added to garden soil in a 1:1:1 ratio. A layer of pebbles at the bottom of the pot can also help in promoting better drainage.
Cultivation
Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt prefers to grow indoors in a warm and humid environment. It thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It needs filtered or indirect sunlight and protection from direct sun rays.
Watering Needs
Water the plant regularly but avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot. The soil should be moist, not wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.
Fertilization
Feed the plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half strength. Stop fertilizing in fall and winter when the plant is in a dormant state.
Pruning
Prune the plants regularly by removing dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers. Pinch off the tips of the stems to promote branching and bushiness. Repotting should be done every two years or when the plant has outgrown its current container.
Propagation of Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt
Propagation of Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt is most commonly done through the use of leaf cuttings. The best time to take leaf cuttings is during the growing season when the plant is actively producing new leaves. It is important to use healthy leaves that are free from damage or pests.
To take leaf cuttings, cut healthy leaves from the stem of the plant and remove the petiole. The remaining leaf blade should be cut into sections about 2-3 inches long. These sections can then be laid on top of moist soil, with the cut end buried in the soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
Another method of propagation is through division. This is best done when the plant has become too large for its container or when there are multiple crowns emerging from the soil. To divide the plant, gently remove it from its container and separate the individual crowns. Each crown should have its own set of roots attached. The separated crowns can then be potted up into their own containers.
Propagation through seed is also possible, but this can be a more difficult method. The seeds should be sown on the surface of moist soil and covered with a thin layer of vermiculite. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged, and the seeds should be kept in a warm, bright location. Germination can take several weeks.
No matter which method of propagation is used, it is important to provide adequate humidity and protection from direct sunlight until new growth has emerged.
Disease and Pest Management for Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt Plant
Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt is a stunning plant that is relatively easy to grow. However, it is also susceptible to a few diseases and pests that can damage the plant if left unmanaged.
Common Pests
Aphids: These small insects suck the sap out of the leaves and stems of Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt, causing wilting and distortions in the leaves. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soaps or neem oil.
Thrips: Thrips are another pest that can cause damage to the plant by sucking the sap out of the leaves. They are tiny insects that are difficult to spot with the naked eye. Yellowing and deformities in the leaves usually indicate thrips' infestation. You can control thrips using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites: These tiny pests are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you can detect their presence by the fine webbing they produce on the leaves of the plant. Spider mites can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. You can control spider mites naturally by spraying the plant with a stream of water. Insecticidal soap and neem oil also work well.
Common Diseases
Rhizoctonia fungus: This fungus can cause root rot in Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt. Overwatering the plant and lack of air circulation can cause this fungus to thrive. To manage this, you can stop watering the plant until the soil dries out. If the damage is already severe, you may need to repot the plant with fresh soil.
Botrytis fungus: This fungus causes stem rot and leaf spots in Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt. The fungus thrives in damp conditions, and it usually affects plants with weak immune systems. To manage this, you can reduce the humidity around the plant, improve air circulation, and remove infected plant parts.
Virus infections: Some viruses can also infect Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt. The virus can spread through contaminated tools and equipment or insects. The most common symptoms of a viral infection are distorted leaves, mottling, and yellowing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for viral infections, so the infected plant should be removed and disposed of carefully to prevent further spreading.
Keep in mind that preventing diseases and pests from affecting your plant is easier than treating them. Therefore, maintain good hygiene and care practices, such as removing dead and decaying plant parts and regularly cleaning tools and equipment to keep your Streptocarpus eylesii S.Moore subsp. silvicola Hilliard & B.L.Burtt healthy and thriving.
