Streptocarpus 'Indigo Ruffles' (AV)

RHS Plant Profile
African violet 'Indigo Ruffles'

Synonyms

Saintpaulia 'Indigo Ruffles'

Houseplants

A miniature African violet forming a rosette of dark green leaves to 15cm across; the undersides are red. In spring and summer it bears double or semi-double, dark blue flowers with green, frilly margins

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Gesneriaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus
Streptocarpus can be annuals, perennials or subshrubs, with usually wrinkled, lance-shaped to rounded leaves and clusters of tubular to trumpet-shaped flowers with 5 spreading lobes, often borne throughout the year
Name Status
Unresolved
Horticultural Group
African violets are now classified under the genus 'Streptocarpus'. They are small, compact perennials with rosettes of hairy leaves and clusters of small, tube-shaped colourful flowers

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow as a houseplant in free-draining compost on an east or west-facing windowsill, or grow in a temperate or warm greenhouse in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water sparingly as compost dries in winter and in the growing season water freely allowing compost to dry out between waterings; feed fortnightly with a high-potassium fertiliser. See Streptocarpus cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by division or leaf cuttings in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Houseplants
  • Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

Remove faded flower stalks

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse leafhoppers, mealybugs, thrips, vine weevil and tarsonemid mite

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds (botrytis) or powdery mildews