Cape Primrose – Flowering plants

Cape Primrose is a beautiful flowering plant. It produces a very pretty flower for much of the year. The leaves are stalkless, rather wrinkled and grow in a rosette. The flower stalks grow from the base of the plant. Each one carries 2 to 5 flowers. The whole plant can grow to a height and spread of 18 inches, although this depends on the variety and the growing conditions.

Scientific Name: Streptocarpus x hybridus
Common Name: Cape Primrose

How to grow and maintain Cape Primrose:

Light:
It thrives best in bright light to partial shade or fluorescent light. Keep out of direct sunlight which can scorch leaves.

Soil:
It grows best in well-drained, humus-rich, fertile soil. You can use African violet potting mix.

Water:
Water regularly and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Put it in a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. Reduce watering in winter, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Humidity:
It prefers moderate humidity. Mist foliage with room-temperature water or place pot on a tray of wet pebbles. Keep the plant away from drafts.

Temperature:
It prefers Cool to average room temperatures 60°F – 70°F / 16°C – 21°C. Keep your plant cool in winter, at 10°C (50°F). Too hot temperatures can cause the plant to wilt.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks in spring and summer with high-phosphorous liquid fertilizer diluted by half. African violet fertilizer is ideal. Take care to fertilize when the soil is already moist to avoid fertilizer burn.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by seed or leaf cuttings. Mature clumps of plants can also be divided up and repotted.

Pests and Diseases:
It has no serious insect and disease problems. Watch for aphids, mealybug, and root mealy bug. These are easily treatable with commercial insecticides or cultural pest removal methods.