Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Snowdrop'

Cultivated origin of Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Snowdrop'

'Snowdrop' is a cultivated African violet in Streptocarpus section Saintpaulia. Wild species in this group are centred in Kenya and Tanzania and occur in humid forests from the coast to mountain areas.

Care for Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Snowdrop'

• Light: Give bright indirect light and turn the pot as the rosette grows. Pale leaf areas are sensitive to harsh midday sun.
• Water: Water with room-temperature water beneath the leaves once the surface begins to dry, then let the pot drain completely.
• Temperature and airflow: Keep the plant warm with stable room temperatures and gentle airflow so the flowers and leaves dry promptly after watering or accidental splashes.
• Potting and feeding: Use a small pot with drainage and a fine, airy African-violet mix. Feed lightly during active growth and repot before the mix becomes dense.
• Propagation: Root healthy mature leaves or divide clearly separate rooted crowns.

Common problems with Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Snowdrop'

• White flowers develop grey or brown patches: Ageing wet flowers can develop Botrytis. Remove affected blooms, improve airflow and keep watering below the foliage.
• Pale leaf areas turn brown: Strong sun, drought or salt buildup can damage variegated tissue. Check light, moisture and fertiliser salts.
• The rosette becomes loose: The plant may need brighter filtered light. Increase light gradually.
• The crown collapses: Crown rot is possible. Remove soft tissue back to firm healthy tissue with a clean tool, discard the rot, refresh the airy mix and direct future watering beneath the leaves.
• Young leaves or flowers become distorted or scarred: Cyclamen mites or thrips may be present. Isolate the plant, inspect the centre and flowers, and use a product labelled for the identified pest and indoor ornamental plants at the stated repeat interval.

Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia ‘Snowdrop’ is non-toxic to cats and dogs

• This plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs.
• Its effects on people are unclear, so keep it away from young children who may chew it.
• Eating a large amount can still cause an upset stomach. Seek medical or veterinary advice if symptoms continue.

How did the names Streptocarpus and Saintpaulia come about?

Streptocarpus means “twisted fruit”, referring to the spiralling seed capsule. Saintpaulia honours Walter von Saint Paul-Illaire, who collected the plant in what is now Tanzania.

John Lindley established the genus Streptocarpus in 1828 in Botanical Register, volume 14, plate 1173.

Hermann Wendland established the genus Saintpaulia in 1893 in Gartenflora, volume 42, page 321. Saintpaulia remains familiar in horticulture, but Kanae Nishii and nine coauthors placed it within Streptocarpus after a 2015 DNA study in Taxon, volume 64.