Seeds; Seeds are sown in a soil mix consisting of 2 part loam, 2 parts coarse sand, and 1 1/2 parts peat moss. Since streptocarpus seeds are one of the finest seeds known (1.75 million seeds per ounce!), the seeding bed is first saturated with water. The strep seeds are then brushed from the palm of the hand onto the seed bed. Immerse the seed bed in 1/2 inch of water and keep the water this level until removing the small seedlings, which appear after approximately 6-8 weeks. Re-pot the new plantlets into a mix similar to the seeding mix or plant mix listed above. Leaves: Propagation of plants by leaf cuttings is the usual way of multiplying plants. Cut the leaf in 1-2 inch strips and cut down the mid-rib of the leaf. After allowing this leaf piece to callus for approximately 15 minutes, place the leaf cutting mid-rib down in a mixture of 1 part perlite and 1 part vermiculite, with charcoal added to help prevent rotting. Tiny plantlets will appear along the leaf rib, at the junction of the veins. The leaf can also be cut like a violet leaf, making a petiole out of the midrib and inserting this into the cutting mixture. Plantlets will form at the base of the petiole and can be removed after they grow to 1". Leaves will also produce plantlets if placed in water, but the leaf may rot if submerged in water. Division: Plants can be divided to make multiple numbers of plants. Using a sharp knife, cut the plant apart between growing crowns, getting as many roots as possible for each plant. Plant these in smaller containers, being careful not to over-pot. Streptocarpus like to be slightly root-bound and over-potting promotes root rot. Insects: Pests that are common to the African Violets are also common to streptocarpus. Soil mealy bugs and thrips are common pests, and white fly and red spider mites may also affect the plants. It is important to check each plant that is added to the collection and isolate these plants from other plants for a minimum of 3 months. This will help to minimize the chance that something unwanted will be introduced into your collection. Keeping your plants well groomed will also help to control pests. Grooming: Leaves may be trimmed if dry edges appear. Make sure that a sharp utensil is used, such as a sharp scissors or razor blade. This will help minimize bruised leaf edges. Removing dead flowers and dying leaves from the plant will help keep your plants looking in top shape. While grooming, make sure to check for any abnormalities of growth, which could indicate pests or disease. Streptocarpus plants may be purchased through many reputable dealers, most of whom specialize in violets. I have had good luck with Rob's Violet's, which feature the Bristol series of strops in many beautiful colors and flower types. Most catalogues have color pictures and descriptions of strops and other gesneriads and there are many new introductions each year. Some of my favorites are: St. Lemon Drop, a pure white flower with a lemon yellow throat, St. Bristol's July Fourth, a red flower with splashes of cream and white on the petals, St. Snzie, a large, bright red flower with yellow throat, and St. Ruffles 'n' Pink, a large deep pink, ruffled flower with a creamy yellow throat. Again, remember to isolate when your order arrives! There are also many web addresses on the internet that give growing advice and give users a chance to ask questions and get growing information. Most of these deal with gesneriads as a whole so some searching may be needed to get the desired information. Streptocarpus are growing in popularity as fun and welcome additions to the collections of many violet growers. I have had great luck growing these violet cousins right next to my African Violets. The various growing styles, colors, and flower types of streptocarpus, as well as relative ease of growing and extended blooming period are great reasons to try these beautitful and unique plants. Happy growing and good luck!