streps and heat

14 years ago

After reading how easy and great streps were, I took the plunge and bought two. They are slowly going downhill. I have multiple issues going. First was tip browning, which, in episcias meant too dry, so I started watering more. Then I got leaf droop, so I stopped watering. Even though I put them in half perlite/half av potting mix, I repotted one with even more perlite. I had them in a windowsill so then tried them under lights. Either the leaves are up and browning at tips, or they're drooping down with brown tips. New leaves try to emerge but never make it.

I finally was sick of trying to fix them and took the worse one and stuck it outside on a shelf and said it was on it's own. It took no more than a day or two for it to die. The second is still inside but following the same decline.

After even more research, the conclusion I'm coming to is heat. The various sites say never over 80 degrees. I live in Tampa, if it's 79 degrees outside it's winter. My a/c is set higher than that.

Are these plants that temp sensitive? Any thoughts on what else it could be? If they're so easy, why am I having such a hard time with them? Thanks in advance for any input,

Lori

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Comments (5)

irina_co
14 years ago
Lori -

2 things - way too hot - and way too much water.

You can keep them at 80 - provided you water sparingly - and wait until they become a bit droopy before adding more.

But - there are so many gesneriads that thrive in Florida -
it is much easier and rewarding to stick to ones that like heat and humidity.

You can keep Nematanthus, Aeschynanthus, Kohlerias, Smithianthas, Achimenes outside practically in a fool sun - and episcias in a shady are all summer - and only take them in on the frost nights.

Tampa area has good AV/Gesneriad clubs - I bet they can give you know-how tidbit how to do it just right.

Envious

Irina
bloodyfrancois
14 years ago
I have had 3 streps for months, ordered from Violetbarn.
I live in a very hot area ,around zone11 not in the US., the temperature mostly 80-95-102F all year. When I got the streps, I repotted them with peat, perlite and vermiculite as I learned from Irina.
Now they are doing fine with flowers coming up all the time.
I get them in the air-conditioned room -with on and off.
Here is the picture of Bistrol's Party Girl which is blooming today. I don't know why your strps died, I am a novice too. But your weather is not hotter than mine.
Kai
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You are right - too hot. They like it in 60-70s. But if you keep them on a drier side they will survive till fall - and then they will start growing like weeds. Irina
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In my conditions I haven't seen what you describe so hopefully Nancy has it right. Streps come from mountains in South Africa, on the summer rainfall, dry winter side of the country. So, they actually do get some heat and humidity in their summers. But, they are up high so don't get high temperatures. I think anything below 80 should be OK--though I think they do like to cool down at night. AV's actually grow where night time temps are the same or higher than in daytime, by the way. Let us know how your treatment for botrytis or fungal problems works out. For triming streps I recommend using "strep scissors", a term I invented. What they are in reality are Fisker's Ripple Cut scissors, one of many patterns of decorative cutting scissors, which can be found in art stores. I am sure that Austin, with it huge university should have good art supply stores. Other patterns might also work as well or better for simulating the pattern of strep leaves. For example, I also have a pair of "Chirita Scissors" (Fisker's wave pattern). When trimming with them you get a fairly natural look to a leaf.
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ima_digger, I start my streps in 3oz clear solo cups. I use the clear cups so I can see the root development. They stay in this size pot until their first bloom and the roots have filled the pot. Only then will I pot them up to a 5oz solo cup or 3" pot whichever I have available at the time. The secret? There is none. lol Seriously, this is the soil recipe that I have used for 2 years with great success. Use a cup of any size you chose. I prefer a 12 oz solo cup. 10 cups Miracle-Gro African Violet soil mix 3 cups perlite 3 cups coarse vermiculite Makes about 2 ziplock gallon bags. Here's a trick I swear by. Take a drill or hot soldering iron (be careful of the fumes in using the iron) and make 4 holes equally spaced around the bottom of the pot before potting your plant. Then pot your plant remembering to keep the crown slightly above soil level so it does not rot. This allows air to get to the roots especially if you tend to overwater. The biggest thing with steps is not keep them too wet. Water throughly until the water runs out then let them dry out between waterings. If not sure, stick your finger into the mix, if damp don't water, if it feels dry then water. In time you will be able to tell by the foliage color. When they are dry but not drooping the foliage will have a duller look to it. I use 1/4 strength fertilizer and 1/4 teaspoon of super thrive to a gallon of water each time I water. Humidity does not seem to be an issue with the plants grouped together they give enough off enough evaporation to create sufficient humidity. Temps are the same as for African Violets though streps don't mind it a little cooler they do not like to be exposed to temps over 85 degrees for an extended period of time. They will start to sulk and eventually die if exposed to these temps for a prolong period. Ideally 65-80 degrees. I grow mine under 2 T-8 light set ups. They are 14" from the bottom of the bulb to the shelf. I have the lights on timers for 12 hours per day. I hope I covered everything. If you have any other questions feel free to ask here or via email. Dave
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Irina: Unfortunately, none of their streps, chirita, etc., survived when they lost heat in the greenhouse. Only the orchids. That's why I was hoping anyone on this list who goes to a Gessie convention/sale might, just might, find some Shenandoah streps and buy them with me in mind. I have "Shenandoah" on my watch list and only one variety has been offered on eBay in the last seven months. Regards, Linda
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irina_co
14 years ago
Kai - hello -

the issue - is a controlled environment. You have yours in airconditioned room with the temperatures I think not above 80, and as I understand - with lights.

I am not sure if Lori uses lights - because - if you keep them on windowsill - the sun can easily raise the temperature even higher.

Lots of blooms to all

Irina
crueltyfre
Original Author
14 years ago
I thank you all for your answers and suggestions, both on and off list. I took the remaining strep, Salmon Sunset, and put it in the coldest room of the house, which, of course, is also the darkest room. I put it in the windowsill so as to get light.

Then I caught three wild kittens in a cat trap. I put them also in this room, idiot that I am. When it came time to catch the kittens to start taming them, they ran hissing and spitting and clawing and fighting, along the windowsill to get out. The poor strep went flying. Of it's remaining leaves, three or four got broken off, only two remain on the plant.

The poor plant is looking miserable. I give up. I don't want it's death on my conscious. I'd give it away via mail, but I live in Tampa where the temps are in the 90's so mailing it in a hot box would kill it for good. Sooooo...if there's anyone in Tampa who'd like to come and pick up the pitiful thing, they can have it. Come quick, lol. I caretake my elderly father and can get out of here on Tuesdays if you want to meet somewhere.
Lori
irina_co
14 years ago
Lori - if the roots are Ok and even chunks of leaves are present - it will recover. They are not harmed too much if part of the leaf is removed. i do it when they become huge and get into the neighbor tray.

I.

streps and heat

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