Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
rusty_blackhaw

environmental gesneriad damage?

rusty_blackhaw
16 years ago

I have been unable to grow Saintpaulia and Streptocarpus in a basement fluorescent light garden over the past few years. The Saintpaulia develop distorted and somewhat fuzzy new central leaves and congested growth (resembling cyclamen mite infestation, but spraying with recommended miticides doesn't prevent or improve damage) and the Streps just slowly die off. I've had variable results with other gesneriads.

Under similar lighting and humidity in an upstairs bedroom, both Streps and Saintpaulia have been doing well over the past several months and flowering abundantly.

Are there common fumes or other subtle basement pollutants that could be causing this difference in cultural results? I am in the deep suburbs where air quality is pretty good, there's no detectable odor from the gas line and no other obvious sources for the problem. Water is not softener-treated and anyway the same water is available both upstairs and in the basement.

Comments (3)

Sponsored
Fineline Deck Builders
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars11 Reviews
Women Owned Construction Company Specializing in High Quality Decks