Streptosolen

Family. Solanaceae.

Origin. Colombia, Ecuador.

Description. Streptosolen is a low perennial evergreen tropical shrub with a very dense crown. The leaves are simple, oval, dark green, up to 3 cm long. The leaf blades are wrinkled. The flowers are very bright, with long flower tubes, collected in inflorescences - apical umbrellas. The diameter of individual buds can reach 3 cm, young flowers have a lighter shade.

Height. Without pruning it can reach 2 m.

Care at home

Temperature conditions

Warm content at a temperature of 18 - 27 ° C. This subtropical species does not tolerate cold well, the minimum permissible temperature during the winter dormancy period is 13 ° C. At lower temperatures, it can shed its leaves.

Lighting

Sunny window, light-filled balcony. Provide streptosolen with at least 4 hours of direct sunlight every day. Blooms reluctantly in the shade.

Care

Provide this tropical evergreen with warmth, humidity and plenty of sunlight, as well as support for its slender branches when needed. When kept outdoors during warm periods, the plant produces more flowers. Return the Streptosolene indoors when night temperatures drop below 13°C. The bush needs winter rest, when growth stops in winter. Stop fertilizing and water sparingly in winter, but never allow the soil to dry out completely. To maintain a dense and compact form, pinch the tips of young shoots regularly and cut back overly long stems. Remove faded flowers promptly.

Substrate

Sod and leaf humus, peat and coarse sand. Well drained.

Feeding

Every 2 weeks from spring to autumn, streptosolene is fed with liquid fertilizer with a high phosphorus content, diluted by half.

Purpose

A very spectacular flowering species that will look good in landscaping verandas and balconies.

Flowering time

Streptosolen blooms for a long time - from spring to mid-autumn.

Air humidity

Moderate to high (50% or higher). Place the pot on a tray of damp gravel or use a humidifier to increase the humidity around the plant.

Soil moisture

Watering abundantly during the growing season. The top layer of soil should be dried a little before the next watering. Reduce watering in winter when growth has slowed. 

Transfer

This is one of the few flowering trees that will grow well in a large container. Repot annually in the spring into a larger pot. Use pots with large drainage holes to prevent water from pooling around the roots. For larger specimens, replace the top layer of soil with fresh soil each spring.

Reproduction

Apical cuttings 8 - 10 cm long in spring. Remove the lower leaves from the cuttings and powder the bases with growth hormones. Root under a cover of clear plastic or glass in a warm place. 

Pests and diseases

Flowering will be less abundant in low light conditions. If there is prolonged drought or too low temperatures during the winter months, it drops its leaves.

Spider mite. Keep the air humidity high enough to avoid these pests. Mealybugs. Sometimes insects such as whiteflies, aphids, and scale insects appear.

Note

All parts of the plant are extremely poisonous. Keep it away from children and pets, and use protective gloves when handling the plant.