Cape primrose 'Harlequin Purple' Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Purple'

Water

Cape primrose should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to once a week, though the frequency may increase during hot, dry periods or decrease in cooler, less bright conditions. Use room temperature water and apply it gently around the base of the plant, allowing the water to soak into the soil without wetting the foliage. Aim to provide enough water so that a small amount runs out of the drainage holes, typically using around 8-16 ounces of water for a 6-inch pot, and adjust based on the size of your plant and pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot.

Light

Cape primrose thrives in bright, indirect light but should be shielded from direct sun, which can scorch its leaves. A north-facing windowsill or an east/west-facing window with some light shading are ideal spots for this plant. If using artificial lights, aim for fluorescent or grow lights that can provide a similar intensity without the heat of direct sun.

Temperature

Cape primrose prefers consistent temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, which makes it ideal as a houseplant in most climates. It should be kept away from cold drafts and heating vents, and can tolerate a brief period outside this range but should not be exposed to temperatures below 50°F or above 80°F as this could damage the plant.

Pruning

Pruning Cape primrose helps to encourage bushier growth and remove any spent or yellowing leaves. It's best to prune right after the main blooming period has finished. Pinch or cut back leggy stems, remove dead flower stalks at their base, and get rid of any damaged foliage. Perform light pruning every few months to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Cape Primrose requires a porous, well-draining soil mix, ideally a combination of potting soil, perlite, and peat moss. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Cape Primrose should be repotted once every year or two, or when it outgrows its pot, to refresh the soil and provide room for root growth.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Primrose thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, preferably between 50-60%, to mimic its native tropical environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place Cape Primrose in bright, indirect light, away from drafts.

• Outdoor

  Grow in shaded area with protection from strong sun and winds.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Purple', commonly known as Cape Primrose, begins with germination, where seeds sprout in warm, moist conditions typically within three weeks. Seedlings emerge and grow into vegetative plants with characteristic rosettes of long, soft leaves. The vegetative stage is lengthy as the plant matures and produces more foliage, during which it can be propagated by leaf cuttings. Following the vegetative stage, the plant enters the flowering phase, producing vivid purple flowers with distinct markings during the spring and summer. After pollination, which can occur via insects or self-fertilization, the plant sets seed, encased in twisted, pod-like capsules. The life cycle can conclude after setting seed or continue, as Cape Primrose can live for several years and may enter a period of dormancy during the cooler months, only to resume growth with the onset of the next growing season.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method for propagating Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Purple', also known as Cape Primrose, is through leaf cuttings. This can be done at any time of the year, but the best results are typically seen when done in spring or early summer. To propagate by leaf cuttings, a healthy leaf is selected and cut across the width of the leaf into sections that are about 1.5 to 2 inches (approximately 4 to 5 cm) long. Each section is then inserted into a moistened potting mix, with about a third to a half of the cutting buried in the soil. The potting mix should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and the cuttings should be placed in a warm, brightly lit area without direct sunlight. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, after which the new plants can be potted up individually. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics.