Cape Primrose
Streptocarpus
A compact African gesneriad related to African Violet, with quilted strap-shaped leaves arranged in a low rosette and elegant funnel-shaped flowers in violet, pink, red, white, and bicolours, held above the foliage on slender stems. Easier to grow than African Violets in nearly every way: tolerates more variation in watering, accepts lower light, blooms more freely, and isn't as fussy about leaf splash. Modern cultivars flower nearly year-round in good conditions. A great choice for Alberta apartment growers without bright south-facing windows.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Indoor (native to South Africa, Madagascar, and tropical East Africa)
Light
Bright indirect light. An east-facing window is ideal. Hates direct hot sun
Bloom Time
Year-round in good conditions, with peak flushes in spring and fall
Soil
Light, free-draining African Violet mix
Water
When the top 2 cm of soil is dry. Bottom-water or carefully water around the crown to keep the leaves dry
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Leaf cuttings root spectacularly well. Cut a healthy leaf in half along the midrib, lay each half cut-side down on moist mix, and tiny plantlets emerge along the cut edge in 6 to 12 weeks. A single leaf can produce 5 to 10 new plants
Pruning / Splitting
Remove old leaves and spent flower stalks at the base to keep the rosette tidy and encourage continuous bloom
