Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia 'Snowdrop'

Sheltered forests and rocky slopes of East Africa

‘Snowdrop’ is a cultivated African violet in Streptocarpus section Saintpaulia. Wild species in this group are found chiefly in Kenya and Tanzania. They occupy humid, shaded forest from coastal to montane sites, where sunlight is filtered and roots spread through small, airy pockets of humus.

The low rosette keeps the plant close to this moist microclimate. The canopy and elevation keep temperatures mild to warm. Indoors, give the rosette gentle light and even moisture in a loose mix that drains freely.

Caring for Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia ‘Snowdrop’ indoors

Filtered light for white flowers

Provide bright, indirect light and turn the pot as the rosette grows. Direct hot sun can scorch the dark leaves. Too little light reduces the number of buds.

Moisten the roots and keep flowers dry

Water with room-temperature water when the surface feels just dry. Apply it beneath the leaves or from the saucer, let the mix absorb evenly and drain away the rest.

A shallow root run with plenty of air

Use a small draining pot and fine, open African-violet compost. Keep the crown at surface level and repot before the mix becomes dense or sour.

Stable temperatures and clean growth

Keep away from cold windows and heated airflow. Remove spent white flowers, provide gentle circulation and feed weakly during active growth.

Problems that may occur with ‘Snowdrop’ African violet

White flowers develop grey or brown patches

Wet petals, stale air or dying flowers can encourage decay. Remove affected blooms, keep irrigation below the foliage and improve gentle air movement.

The dark rosette becomes loose and open

Increase bright filtered light and rotate the pot. Check for an oversized container if the mix also stays wet for a long time.

Lower leaves show brown tips and white crust

Fertiliser salts have collected in the small root zone. Flush the mix with plain water and use a weaker feed.

The central leaves collapse

Check for water trapped in the crown and for soft tissue at soil level. Remove decay, refresh the airy mix and direct future watering beneath the leaves.

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.