Just Arrived — and absolutely perfect as a Christmas gift!
Our fresh new batch of Streptocarpus, commonly known as Cape Primrose, have just arrived and they are looking spectacular. These elegant, long flowering plants produce delicate, trumpet shaped flowers in beautiful shades of pink, purple, white and lavender. Native to South Africa’s own misty forest regions of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. Streptocarpus are wonderfully easy to grow, thriving in bright, indirect light and bringing colour into any room for months on end.
Description
- Produces delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple, white, pinks, and bi-coloured.
- Flowers are often veined, speckled, or patterned, giving them an exotic, orchid like appearance.
- Leaves are soft and velvety.
- Flowering period is long, often spring through late autumn and indoors even longer.
Flowering
- Produces multiple flower stalks simultaneously.
- Many hybrids are everblooming indoors.
- Regular deadheading encourages more flowers.
- Feed lightly every 2–3 weeks in the growing season.
Growth Habit
- Grows as a compact, evergreen perennial.
- Usually kept as an indoor pot plant, but can grow outdoors in cool, shaded areas.
- Height ranges from 15–30cm, depending on the variety.
Watering
- Likes consistent, light moisture, but hates soggy soil.
- Overwatering is the quickest way to harm the plant.
- Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Water from the bottom or at the soil surface to avoid wetting the leaves.
Light Requirements
- Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Direct sun can scorch the leaves, especially midday sun.
- Perfect for windowsills facing east or south (in SA), or well lit rooms.
Temperature & Climate
- Thrives in cool to moderate indoor temperatures.
- Ideal range: 16–24°C.
- Dislikes extreme heat and hot drafts.
Soil & Repotting
- Use a light, airy, well draining mix.
- African violet potting mix is ideal.
- Repot once a year in spring to refresh the soil.
- Avoid pots that are too large, they prefer slightly snug containers.
Pests & Problems
- Generally resilient but may suffer from:
- Mealybug
- Aphids
- Powdery mildew (if overcrowded)
- Ensure good airflow and avoid overwatering.
Uses
- Excellent indoor decorative plant for living rooms, kitchens, reception areas, and offices.
- Perfect for shade loving displays in protected porches or patios.
- Great choice for gardeners who want continuous colour with low maintenance.
- Popular indoor gift plant due to its long flowering and wide colour range.
Fun Facts
- Streptocarpus means “twisted seed pod”, referring to its spiral seed capsules.
- They are relatives of African violets and part of the Gesneriaceae family.
- Some cultivars can flower for 10 months of the year indoors.
- They are one of South Africa’s most successful native plants exported worldwide.
