Re: wrong ID - Streptocarpus?
Diane Whitehead wrote:
>
> That hovering, butterfly-like flower reminded me of a plant I saw
> years ago, Streptocarpus saxorum, with dark green leaves and pale
> true blue flowers. I checked it at various sites online, and I think
> I have a form of it. Or maybe somehow I've starved and dried it so
> that the leaves are yellow and the flowers purple. One houseplant
> site says it should be watered often. Mine were outside in the sun
> in small pots so could have dried. Since I have two, I will
> fertilize one and keep it moister than the other, and see if I can
> get it to look like the plant I remember.
Diane
Your plant certainly sounds like a Streptocarpus, but not I think S
saxorum. While Streptocarpus saxorum does have a pale blue corolla,
there are numerous very similar -looking hybrids available in almost any
colour combination one can think of. I used to grow a lot of them, but
haven't had any for years until just recently when I acquired a further
three. One is a clear mid-pink. one deep violet and the third white with
a red throat. I am sure your purple plants are showing their true flower
colour, though the leaves are obviously not as they should be.
I should think their main problem is being out in the sun as they really
prefer to get their light indirectly and certainly do not enjoy being
dry at any time..
A spot light but out of direct sun, regular watering and fertilizing and
maybe bigger pots should work the oracle with the leaves, but I very
much doubt any change in treatment will get a light blue flower off
either.
Moira
--
Tony & Moira Ryan <theryans@xtra.co.nz>
Wainuiomata (near Wellington, capital city of New Zealand)
