Cape Primrose Streptocarpus 'Tina'
ABOUT
Streptocarpus 'Tina' is a flowering houseplant that is part of the Cape primrose family. It's known for its attractive and lush foliage, along with its striking blooms. The leaves of the plant are typically long and narrow with a soft, velvety texture and a deep green color. They often form a rosette shape at the base of the plant. The flowers of Streptocarpus 'Tina' are particularly notable. They bloom in shades of violet-blue, with intricate throat markings that are often yellow or white, giving a beautiful contrast against the velvety leaves. Each flower is trumpet-shaped and can give the appearance of a delicate fan with its spreading petals when viewed from above. These blooms are held aloft on slender, yet sturdy flower stalks, which rise from the center of the leaf rosette. These stalks are capable of supporting multiple flowers at a time, creating a delightful display that is long-lasting and can provide color almost throughout the year under proper care. Streptocarpus 'Tina' is a popular indoor plant due to its compact form and the striking appeal of its glossy foliage coupled with its vibrant and colorful flowers. The overall impression is of a graceful and charming plant that adds a refreshing touch of nature to any indoor setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gesneriaceae
Synonyms
Cape Primrose, African Violet Cousin
Common names
Streptocarpus 'Tina'.
ToxicityTo humans
Streptocarpus 'Tina', commonly known as Cape Primrose, is generally not considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individuals may experience a mild reaction to the sap or leaves, such as dermatitis, due to personal sensitivities. Ingesting any part of the plant is not advised, but it typically doesn't result in serious poisoning. If ingestion does occur, it's advisable to monitor for any adverse reactions and consult a medical professional if any symptoms arise.
To pets
Cape Primrose is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. While it is generally considered safe, ingestion of plant material can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal upset in some animals. If a pet ingests a large amount of the plant, watch for signs of vomiting or diarrhea, and consult a veterinarian if these symptoms occur or if you have any concerns about your pet’s health after ingestion.
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- Low Maintenance: Streptocarpus 'Tina', commonly known as Cape Primrose, requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy plant owners.
- Long Blooming Period: Provides a lengthy display of flowers, often blooming for several months with proper care.
- Attractive Foliage: Features lush, velvety leaves that add greenery and texture to indoor spaces.
- Versatile Display Options: Compact size allows for versatile placement, perfect for decorating desks, windowsills, and shelves.
- Colorful Blooms: Offers vibrant flowers ranging in hues, adding a splash of color to interior decor.
- Non-Toxic: Safe for households with pets or children as it's not known to be toxic if accidentally ingested.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: With its attractive blooms, Streptocarpus 'Tina' serves as a beautiful subject for macro photography, often used by photographers to practice depth of field and composition techniques.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the intricate patterns and colors of Streptocarpus 'Tina' as inspiration for paintings, illustrations, or textile designs.
- Education Tool: Botany educators can use Streptocarpus 'Tina' to demonstrate plant anatomy, flower development, and pollination strategies in educational settings.
- Companion Planting: Streptocarpus 'Tina' can be paired with other shade-loving plants in a mixed container, providing a varied and visually appealing display.
- Therapeutic Horticulture: The care and cultivation of Streptocarpus 'Tina' can be used in therapeutic horticulture programs to promote well-being and stress relief.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, the non-toxic flowers of Streptocarpus 'Tina' can be used as a delicate edible garnish for special dishes in gourmet cuisine.
- Special Occasions: Individual leaves or flowers of Streptocarpus 'Tina' can be incorporated into corsages, boutonnieres, or floral arrangements for weddings, proms, or other special events.
- Jewelry Making: Pressed or dried flowers of Streptocarpus 'Tina' can be used to create unique, botanical-themed jewelry pieces such as pendants or earrings.
- Fragrance Enhancement: Although Streptocarpus 'Tina' is not known for a strong scent, it can be included in potpourris or scent sachets in combination with more fragrant herbs and flowers.
- Color Therapy: Incorporating Streptocarpus 'Tina' into living spaces can be part of color therapy practices, using its vivid violet hues to create a calming and soothing environment.
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, also known as Cape Primrose, often symbolizes persistence due to its ability to bloom for a long period within the year.
- Hope and Renewal: With its continuous blooming cycle, Cape Primrose can represent hope and the concept of renewal, as the plant continually produces new flowers.
- Endurance: Cape Primrose is known for being a resilient indoor plant which can signify endurance and the ability to thrive in challenging conditions.
WaterCape Primrose should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This typically means watering approximately once a week, but this can vary based on the humidity and temperature of your home. It's crucial to water the plant thoroughly until water runs freely from the drainage holes. Use room-temperature water and aim to give about 8-16 ounces each time, depending on the size of the plant and pot. Avoid letting the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.
LightCape Primrose prefers bright, indirect light. It is best situated in an east- or north-facing window where it will receive gentle morning sun or filtered light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, especially during the harsh midday hours, which can scorch its leaves.
TemperatureCape Primrose thrives in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit but shouldn't be exposed to cold drafts or temperatures below this. The ideal temperature range allows for healthy growth and flowering.
PruningPrune Cape Primrose to encourage bushier growth and to remove any spent or yellowing leaves. This helps the plant direct its energy towards new growth and flower production. Pruning is best done after blooming, typically removing the flower stalks at their base to tidy up the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCape Primrose 'Tina' thrives in a well-draining, porous soil mix consisting of equal parts peat or coir, perlite, and loam with an optimal pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Regular, light fertilization benefits the plant's growth.
RepottingCape Primrose 'Tina' generally requires repotting once a year or when it becomes root-bound. This is often done in the spring, using a slightly larger pot to accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingCape Primrose 'Tina' prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-60%. Maintaining these conditions supports healthy foliage and bloom development.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep Cape Primrose 'Tina' in bright, indirect light and even moisture.
Outdoor
Grow Cape Primrose 'Tina' in shade and protect from elements.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of the Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus 'Tina') begins with germination, where the tiny seeds sprout in a warm, moist environment. After germination, the seedlings develop into juvenile plants with characteristic wrinkled leaves. The plant enters its vegetative stage, producing more leaves and growing in size. Following the vegetative stage, it reaches maturity and enters the flowering phase, which can occur multiple times throughout the year, as Cape Primrose can continuously bloom under ideal conditions. After pollination, the flowers produce seed capsules that, upon drying, release seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. When the plant becomes senescent, it gradually declines in vigor, eventually leading to the end of its life span, which can be several years under proper care.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagation for Streptocarpus 'Tina', commonly known as Cape Primrose, is leaf cuttings. This is ideally performed during the warm growing season, typically spring or summer, when temperatures are conducive to root development. A healthy, mature leaf is selected and cut across the width into sections, each about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters) long. The cut end of each leaf section is then dipped into a rooting hormone and placed upright in a moist potting mix. The container should be kept in a warm area with indirect light and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity, ensuring that the leaf sections do not dry out. New plants will usually start to form at the base of the cuttings within a few weeks, after which they can gradually be acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually potted on their own.
