Cape primrose 'Amanda' Streptocarpus 'Amanda' Dibley

Water

Cape Primrose requires consistent moisture, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Typically, this means watering every 5 to 7 days, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions. Use lukewarm water, and aim to water directly onto the soil to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases. For a potted plant, watering with approximately 8 to 16 ounces of water should be sufficient, ensuring excess water can drain freely without leaving the plant sitting in water.

Light

Cape Primrose thrives in bright, indirect light. It's best placed in a north- or east-facing window where it will receive gentle morning light and shelter from the harsh afternoon sun. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in the peak of summer, as it can scorch the leaves and fade the blooms.

Temperature

Cape Primrose prefers moderate temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 75°F. It can tolerate a minimum of about 50°F but should not be exposed to temperatures lower than this, as it could cause harm to the plant. Keep it away from drafts and sudden temperature changes to maintain a stable environment for optimal growth.

Pruning

Pruning Cape Primrose is important to remove dead or yellowing leaves, which encourages new growth and improves air circulation. Snip these leaves off at the base, and after flowering, remove faded blooms to promote further blooming. Pruning is best done in spring or after the blooming season to shape the plant and keep it looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cape Primrose 'Amanda' Dibley thrives in a well-draining, porous mix with equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic, around 6.0 to 6.5.

Repotting

Cape Primrose 'Amanda' Dibley should be repotted every year to refresh the soil and provide room for growth. Repotting is typically done in spring or after flowering.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Primrose 'Amanda' Dibley prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%, to thrive and bloom efficiently.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Shelter from direct sun, protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Streptocarpus 'Amanda', commonly known as Cape Primrose, begins with germination, occurring when the tiny dust-like seeds are exposed to warmth and moisture, typically in spring. After sprouting, the seedlings develop into rosette formations of velvety leaves, a phase that can last several years, and under ideal conditions, the rosette continually enlarges. Vegetative growth is followed by the flowering stage in late spring or early summer, where the plant produces trumpet-shaped flowers on stalks that rise from the base. The blossoming period can last several months with proper care and deadheading to encourage additional blooms. After the flowering stage, if the flowers have been pollinated, the plant may produce seed pods that, upon maturity, can be collected for propagation. Cape Primrose is a perennial plant and, with appropriate care, can go through multiple cycles of growth and reproduction over the years.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Cape Primrose, including the Streptocarpus 'Amanda' Dibley variety, is through leaf cuttings. This is often done in the spring or early summer when the plant's growth is most vigorous. A healthy, mature leaf is selected and cut across into sections. Each section is then placed on the surface of moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the cut edge is buried just below the soil. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not water-logged, and in a warm environment with indirect light. Roots and new shoots will typically develop from the base of the cuttings, which can then be potted separately once they have grown sufficiently.