Cape primrose 'Polka-Dot Red' Streptocarpus 'Polka-dot Red'

Water

Cape Primrose prefers to be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It is best to water this plant from the bottom to prevent water from getting on the leaves and causing damage. To do this, place the pot in a tray filled with 1 to 2 inches of water and allow the plant to soak up moisture for about 30 minutes to an hour. Check the plant weekly, but the frequency of watering can vary from once a week to once every two weeks, depending on the humidity and temperature of your environment. A general guideline is to provide about 8-16 ounces of water per week, ensuring that the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.

Light

Cape Primrose thrives in bright, indirect light. It should be placed in a spot where it receives plenty of light without being subjected to the harsh rays of direct sunlight, which can scorch its leaves. East or north-facing windows are typically the best spots, offering ample light without the intensity of the midday sun. Avoid placing it in too much shade, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.

Temperature

Cape Primrose performs best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to temperatures below this, as it can result in cold damage. Similarly, the plant should be protected from temperatures exceeding 80 degrees Fahrenheit, which could stress the plant and impair its growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Cape Primrose involves removing fading or dead flowers to encourage the production of new blooms and to maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal. Additionally, any yellowing or dead leaves should be removed to prevent potential disease issues. Pruning is best done as needed throughout the flowering season, typically from spring to fall. The ideal time for major pruning is early spring, just as the plant begins to grow after its winter rest.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cape Primrose 'Polka-dot Red' requires a well-draining soil mix with high organic matter. It thrives best in slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix of peat, perlite, and loam is often recommended for this plant to ensure good drainage and moisture retention.

Repotting

Cape Primroses should be repotted once a year or when they outgrow their pots. The best time to repot is in the spring or early summer when the plants are starting their active growth phase.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Primrose 'Polka-dot Red' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 70%. They thrive in a humid environment but should not be subjected to wet foliage to prevent fungal issues.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and consistent moisture.

• Outdoor

  Shelter from direct sun; keep in a humid, shaded spot.

• Hardiness zone

  10-11 USDA

Life cycle

The life of a Cape Primrose 'Polka-dot Red' begins with seed germination, which requires a warm environment and usually occurs within a few weeks after sowing. After sprouting, the seedlings will develop their first set of true leaves, a sign they are ready to be gently transplanted if necessary. The vegetative growth stage follows, where the plant grows stems and large, velvety leaves, and must be kept in moderate to bright, indirect light to avoid scorching. The next stage is flowering, where 'Polka-dot Red' produces its characteristic red flowers with polka dots, generally stimulated by shorter daylight hours. After flowering, pollination can occur, potentially producing seed pods if pollinators are present or if manually pollinated. When the plant's lifecycle is complete, it will start to drop leaves and decline, although Cape Primroses can be long-lived with proper care, and they can also be propagated via leaf cuttings to start new plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Streptocarpus 'Polka-dot Red', commonly known as Cape Primrose, can be propagated effectively using leaf cuttings, which is the most popular method among enthusiasts for its simplicity and effectiveness. The best time to propagate is during the growing season, which typically spans from spring to summer. To propagate by leaf cuttings, a healthy, mature leaf is chosen and cleanly cut across at the base. The leaf is then cut into sections, each with a vein, ensuring that each piece is about 1.5 to 2 inches long (approximately 4-5 cm). The cut sections are then placed in a moist potting mix, setting them vein-side down. It's crucial to maintain a warm, humid environment to encourage rooting, which can be achieved by covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a greenhouse. Roots and new growth usually appear within a few weeks, signifying successful propagation.