Cape primrose 'Harlequin Lace' Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Lace' (PBR)

Water

Cape Primrose prefers consistent moisture, so water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may equate to watering approximately once a week. Use room temperature water to lightly moisten the soil, providing enough to saturate the roots without leaving the plant in standing water, which could encourage root rot. On average, providing about 8-16 ounces of water should be sufficient depending on the size of the pot and the indoor environment. During the winter months, reduce watering frequency as the plant enters a dormancy phase. It's crucial not to wet the leaves or crown of the plant to prevent fungal diseases.

Light

Cape Primrose thrives in bright, indirect light conditions, which can be provided by placing the plant near an east or north-facing window where it can be protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so ensure diffused light, especially during the summer months. If natural light is inadequate, supplement with grow lights to maintain the health and vibrancy of the plant.

Temperature

Cape Primrose prefers moderate temperatures and does well in a typical indoor range of 65-75°F. It is important to keep the plant away from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes which can be detrimental to its health. Ensure that the temperature does not drop below 50°F, as cold temperatures can damage the plant. Cape Primrose is not frost hardy and should be kept in a temperature-controlled environment.

Pruning

Pruning Cape Primrose encourages bushier growth and triggers blooming. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to maintain aesthetics and promote further flowering. Prune back leggy stems in early spring, which is the best time for heavier pruning, to rejuvenate the plant's shape. Doing this once or twice a year is typically sufficient.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cape Primrose prefers a well-draining soil mix with added perlite or vermiculite. Keep soil pH slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0, for optimal growth.

Repotting

Cape Primrose should be repotted every year or two, or when it outgrows its container, to refresh the soil and encourage health.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Primrose thrives at moderate humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 60%, avoiding overly dry or overly humid conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep moist.

• Outdoor

  Shelter from direct sun with moist, well-draining soil.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Lace' begins its life cycle with seed germination, typically occurring in warm, moist soil conditions, where tiny, delicate seedlings emerge. As these seedlings grow, they develop into a rosette of elongated, fuzzy leaves characteristic of the Cape Primrose. The plant then enters a vegetative stage where it focuses on leaf growth and establishing a strong root system. After reaching maturity, Cape Primrose produces intricate and colorful trumpet-shaped flowers, which can bloom continuously under the right conditions, often for extended periods throughout the year. Following pollination, flowers eventually give way to seed capsules, which, when mature, release seeds to begin the cycle anew. In the absence of pollination or when grown indoors, gardeners may propagate the plant vegetatively by leaf cuttings to create clones of the parent plant.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Lace', commonly known as Cape Primrose, can be propagated most effectively through leaf cuttings. The ideal time to undertake this method is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, a healthy, mature leaf is selected and a portion of it is cut across, ensuring that a generous piece of the leaf vein is included. This leaf fragment is then placed on top of a well-draining potting mix, gently pressing it down to make contact with the soil. The cutting should be kept in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight, maintaining a consistent level of moisture without overwatering. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which small plantlets will emerge from the base of the cutting or along the cut vein, ready to be potted on when they're large enough to handle.