Cape Primrose

Cape Primrose is a fairly resilient plant that can tolerate moderate amounts of drought. When the top inch or two of soil becomes dry, give your Cape Primrose a deep, thorough watering allowing all of the water to collect in the tray below. Make sure the soil stays evenly moist, not letting it dry out nor become soggy. Empty the tray after 15 minutes so the roots are not sitting in water.

Cape Primrose prefers bright indirect light, although it’s suitable for part sun to full shade. If your home does not receive much natural light, you can supplement with artificial fluorescent lights or grow lights. It’s important to set up the light source so that it’s a safe distance away from the plant, so no leaves become scorched or burnt. In low-light conditions, Cape Primrose will grow slowly and will be susceptible to pests and diseases.

Cape Primrose is quite demanding when it comes to temperature range and demands to be kept between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 27 degrees Celsius). Ideally, the temperatures for Streptocarpus should not go below 55 F (13 C) or above 90 F (32 C). The average household temperature is usually suitable enough, but make sure to avoid drafty spots or exposure to extreme cold.

Cape Primrose is not a fan of low-humidity levels. It requires higher levels of humidity, preferably around 40% to 60%. To maintain adequate humidity levels, you can place a humidifier near the plant or group plants together. Using a pebble tray is always an easy way of creating a more humid atmosphere near the roots of your plant. To know when it’s time to water your potted plant, lightly touch the top of the soil; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.

Cape Primrose requires a soil that is medium to light in texture and contains organic material. Most garden soil mixes work well, as long as they are well-draining. The ideal soil for Cape Primrose needs a balance between moisture-retention and drainage. You should avoid soils that do not drain well, such as clay or overly dense peat-based soils. Add coarse sand or perlite to get better drainage.

During spring through summer, apply a fertilizer every other week (balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10) to encourage more regular and abundant blooms. During winter, stop fertilizing and reduce watering, as mentioned above. When using a liquid fertilizer, always make sure to mix it with water before applying. Solid granular fertilizer can be applied directly to the soil in the spring, being careful not to get it too close to the stem. Overfertilizing can damage your plants, so choose a fertilizer with lower nitrogen levels and be careful with the dosage. Too much nitrogen will produce a lot of foliage but prevent bloom.

Cape Primrose can be vulnerable to common pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. Aphids love to hide in leaf axils and pierce the leaves with their long mouth parts sucking the plant juices. To get rid of them, you’ll need to isolate the infected plants and spray them with a standard bug-spray. Neem oil is also a great solution for your infested plants. If your plant is suffering from spider mites, insecticidal soap is the most effective means of getting rid of it. Mealybugs are small, furry, white bugs that attack the plants and could defoliate the entire plant if left unchecked. Rinse the entire plant with a hose to remove most of the infesting populations and the job can be finished by wiping the leaves with soapy water or wiping them with alcohol.

Your Cape Primrose could do with a new pot every two or three years. Repotting gives your plant a more spacious environment which results in faster growth and better flowering. When deciding when to repot your Cape Primrose, try to notice if the current pot already looks small or cramped for the plant or if the soil looks worn out. Spring is the best season for repotting as this is the time of the year when plants are actively growing.

Cape Primrose doesn’t need regular pruning and trimming, except for dead, wilting or discolored leaves. Before making any cuts, drench the soil with water, ensuring that your plant has enough moisture. The leaves should be removed with scissors or tweezers, and dispose of them in the garbage bin. Prune flowers that are not attractive anymore, but leave the buds because they will eventually be replaced with new ones.

Mulching your Cape Primrose will control the temperature of the soil as well as reduce water loss. Plant mulch like shredded bark, straw, or cocoa fiber can help retain moisture. Place the mulch around the plant but not directly touching the stem as this could create an ideal environment for pests and diseases.

Streptocarpus can be propagated by division during the repotting process. Make sure to wear gloves when handling your plant since some species have mildly irritating sap. If you do not want to propagate by division, try leaf cuttings or stem cuttings. Taking cuttings from the stem requires a sharp, sterile blade and a rooting hormone to promote new root growth.

Support may be needed for plants with heavy flower heads, especially in the larger varieties. You can use a bamboo stake or even an old broom handle to provide some support, depending on the size of the plant. Simply push the stake into the soil and tie the branches of the plant to the stake with soft gardening ties.

Cape Primrose doesn’t need a rest period as it is an evergreen plant, however, you can slightly reduce watering in the fall and winter months, allowing the soil to dry between watering sessions. The amount of watering should also depend on the amount of light your plants receive and on the temperature.

Streptocarpus is not toxic to pets if ingested, making it a safe choice for households that own cats or dogs.