Streptocarpus, or Cape primrose because it’s extra generally recognized, is a wonderful houseplant that flowers from spring by way of to the top of autumn. Obtainable in a variety of colors, this South-African native thrives in a brilliant spot away from direct daylight. Dappled shade, just like the mountainous woodland of its dwelling, is the perfect surroundings. Right here’s learn how to care on your streptocarpus.
What to do with streptocarpus plug crops
When your Streptocarpus crops arrive, take away them from the packaging right away and examine that the compost is satisfactorily moist. Water (with tepid water) if vital or, in the event that they’re actually dry, soak them for a short time and drain effectively. As soon as the crops have enough moisture, pot them individually into shallow 9cm (3.5″) pots, utilizing a great high quality, fibre-based potting compost. Don’t take away the web across the roots of the crops as they like to develop by way of it.
care on your streptocarpus
Picture: Streptocarpus ‘Caitlin’ from Suttons
Recreating the native habitat of your Streptocarpus as carefully as doable will assist them to thrive in your house. Discovered on partially-wooded mountain sides in South Africa, they like dappled shade as full solar scorches the leaves and fades the flowers. In addition they like free-draining soil and can rot if their roots and decrease leaves are saved too moist.
The best state of affairs for Streptocarpus is a shaded conservatory (with good air flow) or an east to west window sill. Water commonly from above or under, taking care to not splash the leaves and flowers. Solely water when the compost is dry.
After a month of energetic progress when the roots have crammed the pots, begin feeding each two weeks with a excessive potash fertiliser and proceed by way of the summer season. Feeding your crops will improve the variety of flowers produced. Because the blooms fade, reduce them from the crops on the base, together with any previous or broken leaves which have misplaced their color.
Through the winter, cut back the quantity of water offered and cease feeding. Keep a temperature of roughly 10°C (50°F) and transfer your crops away from chilly window glass if temperatures drop dramatically in a single day the place you reside. Then, in March or April, step by step begin watering extra usually and begin feeding once more. Your crops needs to be moved right into a barely bigger pot every spring, however don’t over-pot as this reduces flowering.
What are the perfect Cape primroses to develop?
There are such a lot of completely different colors to select from that you simply’ll be spoilt for selection. Listed below are simply a few of our new and hottest varieties to attempt at dwelling:
These very uncommon violet-blue flowers fade right into a white-yellow throat with a touch of orange on the base. Robust, upright stems maintain the multi-flowering blooms in a good bunch. Top 17-23cm (7-9″).
Streptocarpus ‘Polka Dot Purple’
Awarded second place for RHS Plant of the 12 months, the massive variety of high quality blossoms mixed with such stunning markings make this among the finest streptocarpus varieties we’ve ever seen. Flowers from Could into early winter.
The brightest, zingiest Streptocarpus to this point, the open face of those lemon-coloured flowers glow within the sunshine. Extraordinarily floriferous, this plant produces many months of steady blooms. Top 11-20cm (4-8″).
Pale pink after they first open, these flowers deepen to a darker color after a few days. The throat is a robust yellow overlaid with 7 brief purple strains. Flowering from March-November this elegant plant stays at a compact top of 11-20cm.
One of many longest flowering varieties, ‘Manon’ blooms from January to December. The ruffled edges of the higher lobes are violet-blue while the decrease lobes are a deep violet. Top 11-20cm (4-8″).
The clear white background of those petals gives a putting distinction for the magenta pink veins. This medium-sized selection flowers from January to December. Top 20-30cm.
Streptocarpus ‘Harlequin Blue’
This stunning plant gained the RHS Chelsea Flower Present Plant of the 12 months again in 2010. Nonetheless simply as standard at this time, its delicate bi-coloured petals brighten up any windowsill or conservatory.
Dibleys Streptocarpus ‘Three Sisters’ is a singular selection that mixes ‘Katie’, ‘Marion’ and ‘Matilda’ in a single tremendous plug. Offering a stunning array of color, the flowers final from March-October. Top 11-20cm (4-8″).
We hope this solutions all of your questions on rising Cape Primroses and has offered loads of inspiration for brand spanking new varieties to attempt. If you happen to love indoor gardening and need to fill your private home with lush foliage, browse our full vary of beautiful houseplants to see what else takes your fancy.
Lead Picture: Streptocarpus Plant ‘Three Sisters’ from Suttons