Cape Primrose Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet'
ABOUT
The plant known as Lemon Sorbet features soft, velvety leaves that are often deep green in color, creating a lush backdrop for its floral display. The blooms that characterize this plant are typically a soft, pastel yellow akin to a creamy lemon sorbet dessert, which is where the plant gets its name. These trumpet-shaped flowers often exhibit a gentle gradient of color, becoming paler or more saturated towards the center. The blossoms may have delicate veins or throat markings that stand out against the lighter yellow petals, adding a subtle complexity to their appearance. Lemon Sorbet's blooms stand out against the foliage, making it a visually delightful plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gesneriaceae
Synonyms
Cape Primrose, African Violet
Common names
Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Cape Primrose, including the variety 'Lemon Sorbet', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant reports of poisoning from ingesting parts of this plant. However, as with any plant material, individual sensitivities can vary, and caution should be advised around children or individuals with plant allergies.
To pets
Cape Primrose, such as the 'Lemon Sorbet' variety, is not known to be toxic to pets. There are no widely recognized symptoms associated with poisoning because it is generally not considered harmful. Nevertheless, it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants as individual reactions can occur, and some animals might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large quantities.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Grow: Streptocarpus, commonly known as Cape Primrose, is known for being an easy-to-care-for houseplant that can thrive indoors with minimal maintenance.
- Long Blooming Period: Cape Primrose often has a long flowering season, providing continuous blooms for several months under the right conditions.
- Attractive Foliage: Besides their flowers, Cape Primroses have attractive, velvety foliage that adds to their ornamental value.
- Variety of Colors: They come in a variety of colors and patterns, with 'Lemon Sorbet' offering a particularly refreshing, lemony hue.
- Compact Size: Cape Primroses are compact plants, making them suitable for small spaces and ideal as tabletop or windowsill decorations.
- Gift Potential: Due to their beauty and ease of care, they make excellent gifts for plant enthusiasts and beginners alike.
- Breeding Potential: For hobbyists, Cape Primrose offers the opportunity to cross-breed and create new varieties from home.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Art and Illustration: Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet' has vibrant colors that are often used by artists for botanical illustrations or as a subject for watercolor paintings due to its delicate and intricate blossom structure.
- Photography: The striking blooms of the Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet' make it a favored choice for macro and nature photographers looking to capture the intricate details and patterns of flower petals.
- Educational Model: In schools and botanical courses, Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet' can be used to teach students about plant biology, floral anatomy, and pollination strategies.
- Color Inspiration: Interior designers and decorators use the soft lemon color of the plant as inspiration to create calming and serene color schemes for home decor.
- Theme Gardens: This plant is often included in themed gardens, such as pastel or lemon-themed spaces, for its color and contribution to the overall aesthetic.
- Fragrance Profile: Though not commonly known for its scent, the subtle fragrance of Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet' can be used in creating natural perfumes or scent gardens.
- Culinary Decoration: The flowers, being non-toxic, can be used as an elegant garnish on desserts and fine cuisine for special occasions, though they should not be consumed in large quantities.
- Stationary and Prints: The attractive appearance of Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet' is often used in the design of stationery, such as greeting cards, calendars, and notebooks.
- Community Contests and Exhibits: This plant is a popular entry in horticultural competitions and flower shows due to its striking appearance and vibrant color.
- Hobbyist Breeding: Enthusiasts of Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet' often engage in amateur breeding to create new hybrids or to achieve particular color variations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Streptocarpus plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Streptocarpus plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Streptocarpus, also known as Cape Primrose, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to thrive with minimal care and bounce back from neglect.
- Endurance: With its capacity to bloom in low light conditions, Cape Primrose embodies endurance, representing the capacity to endure challenging conditions.
- Hope: The bright and cheerful blooms of Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet' can represent hope, uplifting spirits with its vibrant color.
- Longevity: Since the Streptocarpus can live and flourish indoors for many years with proper care, it symbolizes longevity and long-lasting life.
- Adaptability: Reflective of its ability to adapt to different indoor environments, the Cape Primrose symbolizes adaptability and flexibility in life.
WaterCape primrose should be watered when the soil surface feels dry to the touch; typically, this might be once a week, but it can vary based on environmental conditions like humidity and temperature. Water thoroughly using room temperature water, allowing it to reach the roots without leaving the plant standing in water. Use approximately 8 to 16 ounces of water for a standard 6-inch pot each time you water, adjusting as needed for the size of the pot and the plant's response over time. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage to prevent root rot.
LightCape primrose thrives in bright, indirect light, making an east-facing window an ideal spot for it to receive the morning sun without the harsh afternoon rays. It can also grow under fluorescent light, making it suitable for office or interior settings. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the delicate leaves of the plant.
TemperatureCape primrose prefers a temperate range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. They can survive temporarily outside this range with a minimum temperature of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can be harmful. The ideal condition is consistently within the temperate range without sudden temperature changes.
PruningCape primrose benefits from pruning to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Remove faded or dead flowers to allow the plant to focus energy on new growth and flowering. Pruning is best done after a flush of blooms has faded, typically every few weeks during the flowering season. Regular removal of dead foliage also helps maintain the plant's appearance and health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Cape Primrose should be light and well-draining, composed of a mix of peat, perlite, and loam. Keep the pH slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingCape Primroses should be repotted annually or when they have outgrown their pots, which is usually signified by roots poking out of the drainage holes.
Humidity & MistingCape Primroses thrive best in moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 60%, to mirror their native tropical environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cape Primrose in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun.
Outdoor
Grow in shaded area with protection from direct sunlight.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet', also known as Cape Primrose, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in a well-draining, soilless medium and kept moist until germination. Upon germination, which may take a few weeks, seedlings slowly develop into rosette-forming plants with large, velvety leaves. Cape Primrose will then enter a vegetative growth stage where it focuses energy on leaf development and root system expansion. After reaching maturity, which can take several months, the plant starts its flowering stage, producing delicate, trumpet-shaped flowers that can vary in color depending on the variety, but 'Lemon Sorbet' typically has pale yellow blooms. The flowering period can last several months, especially if spent blooms are regularly deadheaded to encourage more flowers. After flowering, the plant enters a rest or dormancy period, particularly in cooler months, during which watering should be reduced and no fertilization should occur until signs of new growth appear.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Streptocarpus 'Lemon Sorbet', commonly known as Cape Primrose, is best propagated through leaf cuttings. This is a popular method that can be carried out during the warmer growing seasons, from spring to early autumn. To propagate Cape Primrose from leaf cuttings, select a healthy, mature leaf and cut it across into sections, each containing a vein. Lay the cut sections on top of moist potting mix and lightly press them down. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to retain moisture and place it in a bright, warm spot out of direct sunlight. Roots and new shoots should emerge within a few weeks, and once they have grown sufficiently, they can be transplanted into individual pots.
