Cape Primrose is a close cousin to domestic African Violets. But, to grow Cape Primrose indoors, you must manage their cultural care entails more cautiously.
The article below explains the basic care tricks to keep your Cape Primrose healthy!
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Are Cape Primrose Indoor or Outdoor Plant?
Cape Primrose (scientifically Streptocarpus species) is a tropical to subtropical perennial plant naturally thriving in Africa’s lush habitats.
But they rarely prosper entirely indoors in a dark spot and discard flowering.
So, choose a bright indoor area with filtered sunlight (dappled east-facing or near a north-facing window) for quick blooming while growing Primrose in pots or containers.
Cape Primroses last only 6 months without adequate light before slacking and halting flower production indoors.
But with pruning and feeding, Cape Primrose will rejuvenate with the same vigor in the next growing seasons.
How to Care for Cape Primrose Indoors?
Stick to the following requirements to care for your Cape Primrose plant.
1. Light & Temperature
- Curtained-filtered light (all seasons) with 8 hours of daily darkness
- About 55-80°F surrounding temperature (avoid temperature drops below 55°F)
- Optional Artificial Lighting: About 8 inches beneath grow lights for 12-15 hours daily
2. Watering & Humidity
- Regular watering in spring and summer to moisten the top 1-2 inches of soil
- Avoid or decrease watering in fall and winter by checking the upper layer of potting mix
- Indoor Humidity: Around 50% (using a humidifier or humidity trays)
3. Soil & Fertilizer
- Humus-rich organic well-aerated potting soil (pH levels: 5.5-7.3)
- Fertilizer Application: Every 2-3 weeks in spring & summer
- Prevent fertilizer application in fall & winter
4. Pruning & Repotting
- Repotting: Every 1-4 years during early spring in a 0.5-1 inch wider and deeper terracotta pot when the plant doubles in size or becomes root bound
- Pruning: Occasional or early spring trimming to remove yellow, brown, or pest or disease-infested leaves using sterilized pruners
Problems of Indoor Cape Primroses [With Solutions]
Some common issues while growing Cape Primroses and their solutions are as follows.
1. Leggy Appearance & Slow Growth
Causes
- Low light
- Low fertilizer application
Solutions
- Place your Cape Primrose near an indirect light source or below grow lights.
- You can also prune the lumbering stems or leaves and manage the light needs.
- However, situating the plant in direct sunlight for 1-2 hours a day can also solve this issue.
- Use nitrogen-based fertilizer to speed up their vegetative growth.
2. Less Flowering Tendencies
Causes
- Lack of pollinators
- Low light
Solutions
- Pollinate indoor Cape Primrose flowers using Q-tips manually during their flowering spell (spring-summer).
3. Root Rot & Yellow or Brown Leaves
Causes
- Soggy soil
- Sunburns
- Underwatering
Solutions
- Change the potting soil if it’s giving off a fishy smell, and remove the black mushy roots.
- Amend the soil with organic perlite, use porous pots, or add drainage holes in planters.
- Employ self-watering pots to hydrate the plants automatically.
Learn the process of pruning Cape Primrose from the following video.
4. Ant Infestation
Causes
- Sweet flower nectar
- Unruly stem and leaf growth
Solutions
- Keep your Cape Primrose in shape by periodically pruning successive old and damaged leaves.
- Deadhead to discourage spent flowers post-blooming stretch.
Taking Care of Indoors Cape Primrose in Winter
The following steps may help your dormant Cape Primrose endure harsh winter conditions.
- Prune the dead leaves and unruly stems before winter to preserve plant energy.
- Keep them away from drafty windows and situate them near an open south-facing window for a few hours in the afternoon.
- Clean the dust from the leaves so that the plant traps maximum sunlight.
- Keep your plant from heating or cooling vents that drastically fluctuate the surrounding temperature.
- Do not repot or prune Cape Primrose during winter. Instead, aim for early spring.
Cape Primrose for Sale
Consider the following sites to buy Cape Primrose indoors.
| Shops/ Sites | Expected Shipping Date |
|---|---|
| Logees | Within 1-2 days after placing an order |
| Little Prince Plants | Within 3 days after placing an order |
| Mountain Crest Gardens | Within 3 days after placing an order |
| Ferri Seeds | Within 7-25 days after placing an order |
From Editorial Team
Frost protection during winter
If winter or sudden chills in climate is expected, use frost blankets to keep your Cape Primrose warm.
Although Cape Primrose can go dormant during winter, keeping a warm environment will protect them from frost injuries.
