Cape primrose (Streps)
Streptocarpus
Genus of flowering perennial houseplants known as Cape primroses, prized for showy tubular blooms and attractive foliage; prefer bright, indirect light and moderate moisture.
Pet-Friendly Plant
Toxicity: non toxic
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause mild stomach upset but is not known to be poisonous.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Provide bright, indirect light: place in an east- or north-facing window or a few feet back from a south/west window with sheer curtain. Avoid harsh midday sun which scorches leaves; morning or filtered afternoon light encourages blooms.
Water
Water when the top 1–2 cm (½–¾ in) of soil dries. Water evenly until it drains or use bottom-watering to keep leaves dry. Use a porous, well-draining potting mix and never leave the pot standing in water to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity (40–60%). Improve humidity with pebble trays, grouping plants, or a humidifier. Avoid constant leaf wetness to reduce rot and fungal issues.
Temperature
Ideal 12–24°C (54–75°F). Avoid prolonged exposure below ~10°C (50°F) or sustained heat above ~27°C (80°F); keep temperatures fairly stable.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing leaves and leaf drop
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage causing root stress
Solution: Check roots, trim rotten tissue, repot into fresh well-draining mix and reduce watering frequency
Brown crispy edges or scorched leaves
Cause: Direct midday sun or very low humidity
Solution: Move to bright, filtered light and increase humidity with trays or a humidifier
Poor or no flowering
Cause: Insufficient light or inadequate feeding
Solution: Increase bright indirect light, provide balanced liquid fertilizer during growth, and ensure cooler nights if possible
Mealybugs, aphids or scale
Cause: Pests attracted to indoor plants and stressed specimens
Solution: Isolate plant, wipe with alcohol or insecticidal soap, repeat treatments and inspect new plants before introducing them
Soft, mushy crown or root rot
Cause: Persistently soggy soil and poor aeration
Solution: Remove affected tissue, repot into airy mix, improve drainage and reduce watering immediately
✂️How to Propagate Cape primrose (Streps)
Leaf cuttings: select a healthy mature leaf, cut into 3–4 cm sections or use whole leaf; insert cut edge into moist, sterile seed mix or perlite; cover with clear plastic to keep humidity and place in bright, indirect light; roots and plantlets develop in weeks. Division: remove from pot, gently separate rhizomes with healthy crowns and repot. Seeds: sow on the surface of a fine, moist mix, keep warm and bright; germination is slow and needs patience.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Gesneriaceae
Native to: Eastern and southern Africa, Madagascar and nearby islands
Natural Habitat: Understory of shaded montane and coastal forests and on rocky outcrops; grows in humus-rich, well-drained substrates with steady moisture and moderate humidity, avoiding full sun.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering and stop regular feeding; keep in the brightest spot available and maintain temperatures above 10°C (50°F). Watch for crown rot from overwatering.
Spring
Resume regular watering and fertilizing as growth resumes; repot or divide if crowded and refresh the topsoil or potting mix.
Summer
Protect from hot midday sun; provide increased humidity and consistent watering. Feed lightly during active blooming period.
Fall
Gradually taper feeding, reduce water slightly as growth slows, and inspect for pests before bringing plants into cooler indoor areas.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water Streptocarpus?
Water when the top 1–2 cm of soil is dry, typically every 7–14 days depending on pot size, season and indoor humidity.
Why isn’t my Streptocarpus flowering?
Likely insufficient bright, indirect light or a lack of regular balanced fertilizer; also avoid excessive heat and allow cooler nights.
Can I grow Streptocarpus in a hanging basket?
Yes—hanging baskets work well for trailing varieties, ensure a well-draining mix and bright indirect light to encourage blooms.
Are Streptocarpus toxic to pets?
They are generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, though ingestion may cause mild stomach upset.
How do I propagate Streptocarpus from a leaf?
Root leaf sections in moist sterile mix or perlite, keep humid and bright; plantlets will form at the cut edges in weeks.
Turn These Tips into Daily Plant Chats
Get watering reminders, humidity alerts, and adorable updates straight from your Cape primrose (Streps). TextMyPlant keeps you on schedule so your plants always look their best.
Start chatting with your plants🌿Related Plant Guides
Dahlia
IntermediateDahlia × pinnata
Tuberous, herbaceous perennial (Asteraceae) with large, colorful composite flowers; often grown as an annual in cold climates. Prefers full sun, rich soil, regular water and staking.
Anemone (windflower)
IntermediateAnemone spp.
Herbaceous perennials with showy single or double flowers (windflowers), grown from rhizomes, tubers, or seeds; prefer cool, moist sites with partial to full sun.
Gladiolus (sword lily)
IntermediateGladiolus × hortulanus
Cormous perennial with tall spikes of colorful funnel-shaped flowers (gladiolus/sword lily), grown from corms for summer blooms; popular in borders and as cut flowers.
Clematis (clematis vine)
IntermediateClematis spp.
Deciduous or evergreen flowering vines in the Ranunculaceae family, prized for large showy blooms in many colors; commonly grown on trellises, fences, and pergolas.
Last updated: 11/7/2025