Lori -

2 things - way too hot - and way too much water.

You can keep them at 80 - provided you water sparingly - and wait until they become a bit droopy before adding more.

But - there are so many gesneriads that thrive in Florida -
it is much easier and rewarding to stick to ones that like heat and humidity.

You can keep Nematanthus, Aeschynanthus, Kohlerias, Smithianthas, Achimenes outside practically in a fool sun - and episcias in a shady are all summer - and only take them in on the frost nights.

Tampa area has good AV/Gesneriad clubs - I bet they can give you know-how tidbit how to do it just right.

Envious

Irina

I have had 3 streps for months, ordered from Violetbarn.
I live in a very hot area ,around zone11 not in the US., the temperature mostly 80-95-102F all year. When I got the streps, I repotted them with peat, perlite and vermiculite as I learned from Irina.
Now they are doing fine with flowers coming up all the time.
I get them in the air-conditioned room -with on and off.
Here is the picture of Bistrol's Party Girl which is blooming today. I don't know why your strps died, I am a novice too. But your weather is not hotter than mine.
Kai

Kai - hello -

the issue - is a controlled environment. You have yours in airconditioned room with the temperatures I think not above 80, and as I understand - with lights.

I am not sure if Lori uses lights - because - if you keep them on windowsill - the sun can easily raise the temperature even higher.

Lots of blooms to all

Irina

I thank you all for your answers and suggestions, both on and off list. I took the remaining strep, Salmon Sunset, and put it in the coldest room of the house, which, of course, is also the darkest room. I put it in the windowsill so as to get light.

Then I caught three wild kittens in a cat trap. I put them also in this room, idiot that I am. When it came time to catch the kittens to start taming them, they ran hissing and spitting and clawing and fighting, along the windowsill to get out. The poor strep went flying. Of it's remaining leaves, three or four got broken off, only two remain on the plant.

The poor plant is looking miserable. I give up. I don't want it's death on my conscious. I'd give it away via mail, but I live in Tampa where the temps are in the 90's so mailing it in a hot box would kill it for good. Sooooo...if there's anyone in Tampa who'd like to come and pick up the pitiful thing, they can have it. Come quick, lol. I caretake my elderly father and can get out of here on Tuesdays if you want to meet somewhere.
Lori

Lori - if the roots are Ok and even chunks of leaves are present - it will recover. They are not harmed too much if part of the leaf is removed. i do it when they become huge and get into the neighbor tray.

I.