I grew one monocarpic strep - not this one - and it was quite large - and while it is very interesting - growing several of them to blooming size... requires space - so probably you need to share your seedlings while they are still portable.

Regarding the extra leaf - i am sure it will have one big leaf - and can have one or two vestigial smaller leaves that will not develop further. If your seeds are true species - and not an accidental cross - thrips live everywhere except Antarctica... - the chance it will be a significant mutation is very very small.

If you decide that you want to try to propagate this Strep from a leaf - and it is possible before the Strep will set buds.. a chunk of this vestigial leaf will work.

Thanks, Irina.

I may have to take a cutting at some point anyway, to see if it comes back unifoliate or not. It will be my excuse to try propagating these guys. Or does propagating from leaves dwarf a unfoliate somewhat? I think Dale Martens might have said something to that effect. If so, it was Streptocarpus dunnii.

I think S. porphyrostachys is not as gigantic as some species. I tried to find an actual number at some point and failed.

You are right - it is of a moderate size. When mine eventually developed a large leaf - I was advised to let it hang off the shelf - these guys grow naturally on the cliffs - and these leaves do it. To prevent the pot from topping I loaded the bottom of the pot with gravel.

The way you can limit the size of this strep - is to limit the size of the pot. My understanding - in nature - if the seed hatches in a crevice - the roots reach the sides - the plant gets the signal - it is as far as i can go. There is no more soil to support a bigger vegetative growth- let's bloom.

I think trimming the leaves will be counterproductive - unless you remove dead edges. Any wound will stimulate the production of growth hormone... Plus it is a rare pleasure to see a well grown plant in its natural form.. guess a topiary is just not my thing...

I.