Cape primrose 'Cariad' Streptocarpus 'Cariad'

Water

Cape Primrose should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Typically, watering once a week will suffice, but this depends on the humidity and temperature of your environment. During the growing season, offer about 8-16 ounces of water each time, depending on the size of your pot. It's crucial to use room temperature water and to water under the leaves to avoid spot formation. In the winter months, reduce watering to every other week, just enough to prevent the soil from drying out completely.

Light

Cape Primrose flourishes in bright, indirect light. It's ideal to place the plant near a north or east-facing window where it can receive plenty of light without being exposed to the harsh midday sun. Avoid direct sunlight, particularly in the summer months, to prevent leaf scorch.

Temperature

Cape Primrose prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should not be exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit as it can cause damage to the plant. The ideal temperature range for promoting flowering and growth is maintaining a consistent room temperature around the low to mid 70s Fahrenheit.

Pruning

Cape Primrose benefits from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune back leggy stems after flowering or whenever the plant appears overgrown, typically a couple of times a year. The best time for pruning is in the early spring or after a flowering cycle when the plant is starting to regrow.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Cape Primrose prefers a light, airy potting mix with good drainage, consisting of two parts peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite or fine bark. The ideal soil pH for this plant should be slightly acidic to neutral, in the range of 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Cape Primroses should be repotted about once a year, preferentially in the spring. If they are not outgrowing their pots, simply refreshing the top layer of soil can be sufficient for their health and growth.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Primroses thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-60%. They benefit from a humid environment but do not like to be misted directly. Using a pebble tray with water or a humidifier can help achieve the desired humidity level.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; ensure constant mild humidity for the Cape Primrose.

• Outdoor

  Shelter from direct sun, keep in warm, shaded area with high ambient humidity for the Cape Primrose.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Streptocarpus 'Cariad', commonly known as the Cape Primrose, begins with seed germination, where the tiny seeds need light to germinate and should be sown on the surface of a well-draining soil mix. After germination, the seedlings develop into young plants with a rosette of leaves; during this growth stage, the plant should be kept in bright but indirect light to avoid scorching the leaves. As the plant matures, it sends out long flowering stems with tubular flowers, which can be various shades of pink or purple, and this blooming stage can occur multiple times throughout the year with proper care. After flowering, if pollinated, the plant may produce seed capsules which, when mature, can burst open to distribute the seeds for reproduction. In their natural habitat, the cycle continues as these seeds germinate to produce new plants, but in cultivation, the plant is often propagated vegetatively from leaf cuttings, which involves cutting a healthy leaf into sections and planting them to grow new plants. Over its lifespan, which can be several years with proper care, Cape Primrose will periodically enter a rest period where growth slows down, requiring less watering before resuming active growth and flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Streptocarpus 'Cariad', commonly known as the Cape Primrose, is often propagated through leaf cuttings, a method that is most popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness. To propagate the Cape Primrose using leaf cuttings, a healthy and mature leaf is selected and then cut across the width, aiming for pieces about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 centimeters) long. Each piece is then inserted into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the cut edge is buried just below the surface. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm area with indirect light. In a few weeks, new growth will emerge from the base of the leaf cuttings, indicating that roots have formed and a new plant is beginning to grow.