Streptocarpus is a large genus native to Southern Africa. There are two main divisions within the genus. Subgenus Streptocarpus is comprised of plants with typically strap-like leaves, which grow either from an irregular rosette with several leaves emerging directly from the ground, or as a single leaf, the only leaf the plant will ever produce. Subgenus Streptocarpella produces more conventional-looking plants, with stems and leaves, and flowers produced from the leaf axils.
Most of the rosette species are perennials. The unifoliate species are generally monocarpic (they die after having flowered and produced seed once), but may live for several years before flowering. The "caulescent" (stemmed) forms of subgenus Streptocarpella may be either perennial or annual.
The rosette forms of this genus have been much hybridized, and are very popular ornamental plants. In general, they prefer coolish temperatures, and will not do well during hot weather. They should be planted in a relatively open and well-drained medium that is kept evenly moist, never continuously wet. In my experience, they tolerate short periods of drought fairly well.
When I was growing these plants for show purposes, I preferred to let them dry just to the point where the ends of the leaves started to wilt slightly. If I missed by a day, and the whole plant wilted, they quickly revived after receiving water, and appeared none the worse for wear. Even a severe wilting (leaves completely limp, hanging over the edge of the pot) would not usually kill the plant, although it would result in some leaf damage. But kids, don't try this at home. . .
