Cape Primrose Streptocarpus 'Leyla' (PBR)

Water

Cape primrose, commonly known as Streptocarpus, should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This might mean watering once every week or more frequently, depending on environmental conditions like heat and humidity. Use lukewarm water and pour it directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves, with about 8-12 ounces per watering session for a standard 6-inch pot. Watering should be reduced in the winter months to prevent soggy soil, thereby avoiding root rot.

Light

Cape primrose prefers bright, indirect light, making an east-facing window with morning light or a few feet away from a south-facing window ideal spots. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, so it's crucial to provide filtered light. In low-light conditions, the plant may produce fewer flowers, so proper lighting is essential for optimal blooming.

Temperature

The ideal temperature range for Cape primrose is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures of 50 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the plant in this range will promote good growth and flowering.

Pruning

To encourage bushy growth and more blooms, regularly pinch back the tips of Cape primrose and remove any spent flowers or yellowing leaves. Prune lightly throughout the growing season as needed, and perform a more thorough pruning in early spring to rejuvenate older plants. Pruning at the start of the growing season allows the plant to focus its energy on producing fresh, healthy growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cape Primrose, including the variety 'Leyla', thrives in a well-draining soil mix with high organic matter. A popular recipe for its potting mix includes one part peat moss or coco coir, one part perlite or vermiculite, and one part fine bark to ensure sufficient drainage and aeration. The preferred soil pH for Cape Primrose is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. Regularly check the soil moisture as these plants like to be kept moderately moist but not waterlogged.

Repotting

Cape Primroses, like 'Leyla', should be repotted every 12 to 18 months or when the plant has outgrown its current pot. It is best to repot in spring or early summer to take advantage of the plant's active growth period, which will help it settle into its new pot more easily. Use fresh potting mix and a pot that is slightly larger than the current one to give the roots room to grow.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Primrose prefers a moderate to high humidity level, typically around 50-60%. To maintain these conditions, it is beneficial to place a humidity tray beneath the plant or use a room humidifier, especially during dry winter months or in arid climates. Avoid misting as it can promote fungal disease on the leaves.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light; avoid direct sun.

• Outdoor

  Requires shade and shelter; not frost tolerant.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Streptocarpus 'Leyla', commonly known as Cape Primrose, begins with the sowing of seeds or the propagation of leaf cuttings. The seeds germinate, typically within a few weeks, and the emerging seedlings grow into rosettes of leaves, a stage during which they require warm temperatures and consistent moisture. After a few months, young plants reach maturity and start producing their characteristic tubular flowers that come in various shades including the unique colorations of the 'Leyla' cultivar, with this blooming phase recurring multiple times in favorable conditions. Cape Primrose will often enter a period of dormancy, especially when temperatures drop or during shorter winter days; during this time, plant growth slows and watering should be reduced. Following dormancy, with the return of warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, they resume active growth and repeat the flowering cycle. With proper care, Streptocarpus 'Leyla' can live for several years, continuously repeating the growth, dormancy, and blooming phases.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Streptocarpus 'Leyla' is through leaf cuttings. This is best done in the late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing. A healthy, mature leaf is selected and cut across the main vein at an angle. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that the cut vein touches the soil. The pot is covered with plastic to maintain humidity and placed in bright, indirect light. It is important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Roots and new shoots will typically develop from the vein in a few weeks, after which the young plants can be potted up separately.