A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The House Plant Forum How to care for old streptocarpus

Hello, I have streptocarpus that are very old and I realised that some of them have vey week roots and others have strong roots. Why is that? Apart from watering them what else should I do?

I would say to put the week roots in the soil. Also make sure to not over water this might weaken the plant even more causing root roat.

Also, there are bugs hovering around the plant. I thought that they might be eating the roots(aphides). Is the plant going to grow new roots or will it stay weak?

Could be mushroom flies, white flies, possibly even fruitflies or something else. They're likely attracted to orgnaic matter in the soil, mold, mildew, or rotting tissue on the roots or plant base. I would add enough sand or light soilmix to ensure the roots and the very base are covered, and be sparing with watering. This may be all it takes to discourage the insects...and I'd doubt they are aphids, don't treat based on that. Withhold water until soil surface is completely dry. It may even be time to think about repotting, but try and see if my advice helps before further stressing the plant by transplanting right now.
Have you recently moved them? If so, are they getting less light than before? Have you changed anything in your caretaking routine?

They have been in front of the same window since 10 years. In august I transplanted them. Since late november I have been spraying the soil with a water and soap detergeant and it seems to help. Are the roots ever going to get strong again? The bugs started to fly around the plants since november I think. They are fruit plants I think. Will they kill my plant? I've heard that they eat roots.

unless you see some sort of maggots, I doubt they're eating the roots...even then, most likely just where some have rotted. A thin comvering of sand or potting soil will prevent them from laying eggs and may discourage them from buzzing around.
Don't get me wrong, I'm no expert on streptocarpus, but your problem isn't unique to that species.
make sure the soap mix is very dillute. The plant will produce more roots as it begins to recover.
It could be that your soil mix contained woodchips or other organic matter which is decaying and attracting fungus gnats or whatever they are, and that could also contribute to some tissue damage.

Thank you for the help. There is no wood chips in the soil. I will add a layer of soil on top to try to stop the bugs to lay eggs. The soap is very dillute.

Sorry, the person before me didn't log out. So I posted with it's account.