Cape Primrose Streptocarpus 'Supernova'
ABOUT
The Streptocarpus 'Supernova', commonly referred to as Cape primrose, is a striking flowering plant known for its beautiful and vivid blooms. The plant displays an attractive rosette of velvety, dark green leaves that serve as a lush backdrop to its flowers. The leaves are elongated and may have a slightly rippled or wrinkly texture, adding to the overall lushness of the foliage. This lovely specimen is celebrated for its vibrant flowers, which emerge on slender, erect stems that gracefully arch above the foliage. The blooms of the Cape primrose are typically trumpet-shaped and can flaunt a variety of colors, often exhibiting shades of blue, purple, or even bicolored petals with intricate markings and throats in contrasting hues. The flowers are known for their long-lasting nature and may adorn the plant for extended periods, providing a continuous display of color. One of the charming characteristics of the 'Supernova' is its tendency to produce a profusion of these delightful blooms, which can create a visually impactful display. The blossoms have a delicate, almost velvety texture, adding to the sensory appeal of the plant. The Cape primrose is well-suited for growing indoors in pots, where it can thrive under the right conditions, basking in bright, indirect light, and with attention to watering and humidity needs. As an ornamental, it is highly valued for its decorative foliage and showy floral display, which can bring a touch of elegance to any indoor setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gesneriaceae
Synonyms
Cape Primrose, African Violet Cousin
Common names
Streptocarpus 'Supernova'
ToxicityTo humans
Cape primrose, including the Streptocarpus 'Supernova', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Ingesting parts of the plant usually does not result in poisoning. However, it is always advised to avoid ingesting plants that are not meant for human consumption, as individual reactions can vary.
To pets
Cape primrose is not known to be toxic to pets. The ingestion of Streptocarpus 'Supernova' should not cause any severe symptoms of poisoning in animals such dogs or cats. Nevertheless, it is always prudent to prevent pets from eating houseplants as a general safety precaution and to avoid potential gastrointestinal upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Varies
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Easy to Care For: Streptocarpus 'Supernova', commonly known as Cape Primrose, typically requires minimal maintenance, making it suitable for beginner gardeners.
- Long Blooming Period: Cape Primrose is known for its extended flowering phase, often blooming from spring to fall, providing a long-lasting display of color.
- Vibrant Flowers: The plant boasts vivid and colorful blooms that can brighten up indoor spaces and shaded garden areas.
- Varied Colors and Patterns: It offers a wide range of colors and patterns, giving gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts many options for aesthetic choices.
- Compact Growth: Being a compact plant, Cape Primrose is ideal for small spaces such as windowsills, desks, and tabletops.
- Attracts Pollinators: When kept outdoors, the vibrant flowers can attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies to the garden.
- Shade Tolerance: It is well-suited for low-light conditions where other flowering plants might not thrive, making it a great choice for shaded gardens.
- Propagation Ease: Cape Primrose can be easily propagated from leaf cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants for themselves or to share with others.
- Non-Toxic: It is non-toxic, making it safe to grow in households with pets and children.
- Decorative Foliage: Apart from the flowers, Cape Primrose often has attractive foliage that adds to its ornamental value even when it's not blooming.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Inspiration: Streptocarpus 'Supernova' with its stunning blooms can be used as a subject for drawing and watercolor painting by artists and enthusiasts.
- Photography Prop: The vibrant flowers of the Cape Primrose can serve as an excellent prop or background for macro photography and portraitures.
- Educational Tool: Cape Primrose can be used in schools for biology lessons about plant growth, reproduction, and hybridization processes.
- Craft Material: Dried Cape Primrose flowers can be used in crafting, such as in scrapbooking or decoupage.
- Event Decoration: Live plants can be used as sustainable table centerpieces for events like weddings and banquets.
- Fragrance Extraction: While not common, the scent from the flowers of Cape Primrose can be used in homemade potpourris or natural air fresheners.
- Culinary Garnish: Edible varieties of Cape Primrose flowers can be used as a decorative and edible garnish on salads and desserts.
- Color Dye Source: The pigments from the Cape Primrose's petals may be explored as a natural dye for fabrics or crafts.
- Journaling Embellishment: Pressed flowers of Cape Primrose can be incorporated into journals or planners as decorative elements.
- Mood Setting: The plant's presence can help create a tranquil and cozy atmosphere in a room, enhancing mindfulness and relaxation practices.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cape Primrose is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cape Primrose is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Persistence: Streptocarpus, commonly known as Cape Primrose, often symbolizes persistence because it can bloom continuously throughout the year when provided with the right conditions.
- Hope: The long-lasting nature of the Cape Primrose blooms represents hope and the belief in overcoming difficulties, reflecting a positive outlook for the future.
- Adaptability: This plant adapts to various indoor environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive in different conditions and the importance of being versatile.
- Endurance: The Cape Primrose symbolizes endurance due to its robustness and capability to survive with minimal care, highlighting strength and resilience.
WaterCape primrose should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically equates to once a week, but this can vary depending on environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. Use room temperature water, and water the plant thoroughly until excess water drains out of the bottom, but be sure to empty the saucer so the roots do not sit in standing water. As a general guideline, provide about 8-16 ounces of water for a 6-inch pot during each watering session, adjusting for the size of the pot and the plant's needs.
LightCape primrose fares best in bright, indirect light. An east-facing or north-facing window would be ideal to provide the necessary light without the harsh direct sun of south or west exposures which can scorch its leaves. If the light is too low, the Cape primrose may cease to flower, so if you don't have a perfect spot, consider using a grow light to supplement.
TemperatureCape primrose prefers temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost or prolonged exposure to cold can be detrimental. Keep it away from drafts and ensure a stable environment to keep this plant flourishing.
PruningRegularly remove any yellow or dead leaves from your Cape primrose to promote healthy growth and a tidy appearance. Pruning is best done after the blooming cycle as it allows the plant to focus energy on new growth and flower production. Pinch off spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCape Primrose thrives in a well-draining, porous soil mix with a pH of 6.0-7.5. An ideal mix consists of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. Regularly check the pH to ensure it remains slightly acidic to neutral for optimal growth.
RepottingCape Primrose should be repotted annually or when it outgrows its current pot, typically observed when roots start to crowd. Use fresh potting mix each time to provide a nutrient boost and encourage healthy growth.
Humidity & MistingCape Primrose prefers moderate to high humidity, ideally between 50-60%. Avoid excessively dry conditions, which can hinder its growth and flower production.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide filtered light, moderate humidity, and consistent watering.
Outdoor
Shelter from strong winds, partial shade, protect from frost.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleStreptocarpus 'Supernova', commonly known as Cape primrose, begins its life as a seed, usually sown in a moist, well-draining medium where it will germinate within a few weeks under proper conditions of warmth and light. The seedlings develop into rosettes with long, narrow leaves, and this vegetative stage can last for several months as the plant grows and matures. The plant then enters the flowering stage, producing colorful blooms often in shades of blue, purple, or pink, which can occur sporadically throughout the year, especially in favorable indoor conditions with indirect sunlight. After pollination, the plant can produce seed pods, elongating into twisted shapes, hence the name "Streptocarpus," meaning "twisted fruit." Eventually, individual leaves of the rosette may age and yellow, requiring removal to maintain plant vigor and aesthetic appeal. With proper care, Cape primrose can live for several years, going through repeated cycles of growth and blooming.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Streptocarpus 'Supernova', commonly known as Cape Primrose, is often propagated through leaf cuttings, a method that can be particularly successful during the plant's active growth period from late winter to early summer. A healthy leaf is chosen, cut across widthwise into sections about 2 to 3 inches (approximately 5 to 7.5 centimeters) in length, ensuring each piece has a vein. These cuttings are then placed into a moist potting mix, with the cut edge buried just below the surface. Ideally, the environment should have high humidity and warm temperatures, which can be achieved by covering the potted cuttings with clear plastic. Roots usually develop within a few weeks, and once substantial root growth is evident, and new shoots begin to appear, the young plants can be transplanted into their own pots.
