Cape Primrose Streptocarpus 'Celebration'

Water

Cape Primrose, which is the common name for Streptocarpus 'Celebration', prefers consistent moisture but does not like to be waterlogged. It's best to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once a week. However, this can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. When watering, use room temperature water and apply it directly to the soil, avoiding the leaves. It's important to water thoroughly until it runs through the drainage holes, indicating that the entire root ball has been moistened, and then allow the excess to drain. Depending on the size of your pot, this might mean using about 8-16 ounces of water per watering session.

Light

For the Cape Primrose, bright, indirect light is optimal. This means placing the plant in an east- or north-facing window where it can receive some morning sun or diffused light throughout the day without the harshness of direct afternoon rays. A spot that maintains this lighting condition without exposing the plant to extended periods of direct sunlight is ideal as it allows the plant to grow without the risk of leaf burn.

Temperature

The Cape Primrose thrives in a temperature range typically found in average home environments. The ideal temperatures for this plant are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. While it can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, staying within the ideal range encourages healthy growth and flowering.

Pruning

Cape Primroses benefit from regular pruning to remove faded flowers and dead or yellowing leaves, which encourages new growth and helps maintain a tidy appearance. The best time to prune is immediately after a bloom cycle as this can also promote a more vigorous return to flowering. Pruning every few weeks or as necessary during active growth will keep your plant looking its best.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cape Primrose thrives in a well-draining soil mix, such as equal parts peat, perlite, and vermiculite. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6.0 and 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Cape Primrose should be repotted annually to renew the soil and to accommodate plant growth. Spring is the best time to repot this plant, just before the onset of its vigorous growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Primrose prefers moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-60%. It thrives in environments where the air feels slightly moist but is not overly damp or humid.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

• Outdoor

  Sheltered spot, dappled sunlight, frost-free areas.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Streptocarpus 'Celebration', commonly known as Cape primrose, begins its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in moist, warm conditions with indirect light. After germination, the seedling emerges and establishes a small rosette of leaves; during this vegetative stage, the plant focuses on leaf growth and root system development. As it matures, the Cape primrose enters a flowering stage, where it produces vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that arise from the base of the leaves, and this stage can last for many months with the right care. Following pollination, which is often facilitated by insects, the flowers will fade, and seed capsules develop, eventually drying and releasing seeds for reproduction. Under favorable conditions, the plant can enter a cycle of dormancy, where growth slows or ceases during shorter, cooler days, to resume when the growing conditions improve. The Cape primrose can live for several years, continuously growing and flowering, often with periods of pruning or leaf-cutting by gardeners to encourage more robust growth and flowering.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Streptocarpus 'Celebration', commonly known as Cape Primrose, is best propagated during its active growth period, which is typically in spring and summer. Leaf cuttings are the most popular method for propagating Cape Primrose. To do this, a healthy leaf is selected and a section at least 2 inches long (5 centimeters) is cut across the leaf's width. The cut edge is then placed into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Enclosing the pot in a plastic bag can create a humid environment which helps the cutting root more quickly. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be potted up separately. It's important to maintain moderate humidity and avoid direct sunlight during the initial rooting phase to encourage successful propagation.