Contents
Description
Streptocarpus Blue Ice is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the Gesneriaceae family. It is native to South Africa and is commonly grown as a houseplant. The plant produces clusters of delicate flowers that bloom all year round, making it a popular choice for indoor gardening enthusiasts. The flowers of Streptocarpus Blue Ice are a beautiful shade of blue and have a distinctive trumpet shape.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Gesneriaceae |
| Genus | Streptocarpus |
Appearance
The foliage of Streptocarpus Blue Ice is dark green and glossy, with a slightly velvety texture. The leaves grow in a rosette shape and can reach up to 8 inches in length. The flowers of the plant are trumpet-shaped and have a diameter of around 1.5 inches. They are a beautiful shade of blue and have a white throat with purple spots. The plant can grow up to 12 inches in height and 8 inches in width.
Care Guide
Streptocarpus Blue Ice is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. Here are some tips on how to care for this beautiful plant:
- Water: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Streptocarpus Blue Ice prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Hardiness Zones: Streptocarpus Blue Ice is best suited to USDA hardiness zones 10-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Streptocarpus Blue Ice is relatively pest and disease resistant, but here are some common issues to watch out for:
- Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause webbing on the plant and cause it to look unhealthy. Use a neem oil spray to get rid of spider mites.
- Mealybugs: These pests look like white cottony masses on the plant and can cause damage to the foliage. Use rubbing alcohol to kill mealybugs.
- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot in Streptocarpus Blue Ice. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and do not water the plant too frequently.
Habitat
Streptocarpus Blue Ice is native to South Africa and is found in the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The plant grows in shaded areas in forests and along stream banks.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I fertilize Streptocarpus Blue Ice?
A: Fertilize the plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the ideal growing temperature for Streptocarpus Blue Ice?
A: Streptocarpus Blue Ice prefers temperatures between 60-75°F.
Q: Can Streptocarpus Blue Ice tolerate direct sunlight?
A: Streptocarpus Blue Ice prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Q: What is the best way to get rid of mealybugs on Streptocarpus Blue Ice?
A: Use rubbing alcohol to kill mealybugs on Streptocarpus Blue Ice.
Related Plants
- Streptocarpus Cape Primrose
- Streptocarpus Harlequin Blue
- Streptocarpus Polka Dot Purple
- Streptocarpus Saxorum
References
- Encyclopedia of Life. (n.d.). Streptocarpus Blue Ice. Retrieved from https://eol.org/pages/1149265
- Gardening Know How. (2021). Streptocarpus Blue Ice Care: Tips For Growing Streptocarpus Blue Ice Plants. Retrieved from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/streptocarpus/streptocarpus-blue-ice-care.htm
- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Streptocarpus Blue Ice. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b644
