Streptocarpus Soil Mix

[ryferre]

Frequently, and more often then most growers realize, the soil mix used to grow Streptocarpus is not "ideal for the plant".

Streps need a moisture retentive, well aerated soil mix. To accomplish such a goal when making a mix keep the following in mind:

Vermiculite: Used to retain moisture and keeps the soil mix "light/gas permeable".

Perlite: Used to keep the soil mix permeable for gas exchange.

Peat/Coir/Other Organic Matter: Used to retain moisture and provide the basis for nutritrient retention. Also the organic material plays a major role in the pH of the soil.

I use a mix that is a little heavy on the perlite side: 1 part peat, 1 part Vermiculite, and a little more then 1 part Perlite.

This is the mix that I use for my plants that are wicked over a reservoir. It is also a very favorable mix to use when rooting leaf cuttings, etc.

If you are not wicking the plants, you should use a slightly more moisture retentative soil by making the soil a smidgeon heavier on the peat.

Most common mistake with soil? Planting the strep TOO DEEP! You must plant the strep a little higher up in the soil when you transplant! Some refer to this as a "little mound"--this will help assure success and cut the losses from rotting!



Ryan

[masdyman]

As I dont wick water any of my plants I use the following mix.

3 parts good quality potting mix

1 part Perlite

1 part Vermiculite

1 part Peat

1 Tbls Dolomite.

I use a 1 litre container to measure this out.
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[Charlie Croker]

ok whats wick watering?? Is it getting Alan Wicker to come and water them or to use a wick to "suck" water into the pot?

[davioletman]

I do not wick water. This the mix I have used for both African Violets and Streps for the past 2 years with great success.

All measurements are with a 12 oz solo cup

6 cups perlite

4 cups Mircle-Gro African Violet soil

2 cups vermiculite

1/4 cup activated charcoal

makes 1 gal ziplock bag.

I also make 4 holes around the bottom of the pot for extra air to the roots.
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Dave in CT

[I like streps]

I use africain violet soil mix. It seems to be good. Is it a good idea to use this?
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I like plants.

[larrysviolets]

Hello I like,

I use the same mixture as Ryan does and I am able to wick water my streps using this mixture.

Yes, African violet soil is fine for streps. It wouldn't hurt to add a little perlit to store bought AV soil though.

Larry
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[I like streps]