Streptocarpus is a plant that all can enjoy with its heat-loving nature and tropical looks.
This beautiful, shade-loving perennial is native to Madagascar, Southern Africa, and the East Indies.
Often referred to as Cape primroses, this relative of African violets can be used in many different ways.
It produces beautiful dark green leaves and lavender blooms. It is easy to care for and can be grown indoors or outdoors.
When grown indoors with plenty of bright light and adequate watering, the Streptocarpella plant can literally bloom year-round.
The genus has been described as “highly variable,” with over 150 species.
Most are popular perennials grown for their colorful foliage, but some are also valued for their flowers, usually small, tubular, and borne in clusters.
Streptocarpella and Streptocarpus are often interchangeably used because they are from the same species.
Streptocarpella is a subgenus of Streptocarpus.
Some of the common household names of streptocarpella include:
- Violet Sky
- False African Violet
- Cape Primrose
- Nodding Violet
Quick Facts On Streptocarpella
- Family: Gesneriaceae
- Light: Medium to bright indirect light
- Temperature: 64° to 77° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water only when the soil is dry
- Fertilizer: During the growing season
- Propagation: Seed, stem cuttings, leaf, plantlets
- Common Problems: Aphids, mealybugs, overwatering
Streptocarpella Care
How Big Do Violet Sky Plants Grow?
Streptocarpus plants will grow about 1′ foot tall and wide when mature.
When Do Violet Sky Plants Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
The Streptocarpella plant flowers from winter through spring, depending on the variety.
The flowers start as buds that open slowly over several days to reveal the petals inside them.
The buds may take several months to develop before they eventually open into flowers.
Violet sky plants are known for their fragrant blooms that emit a sweet floral aroma.
The flowers are usually white or violet-blue with yellow centers, but they can also be pink or lavender with darker centers.
They have a very long bloom time, making them great for cut flower arrangements and bouquets.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Streptocarpella plants are used to subtropical temperatures to thrive in bright indirect sunlight.
They are best grown in temperatures between 64° to 77° degrees Fahrenheit.
When planted indoors, place a hanging violet sky grown in a pot near a window that gets sunlight for most of the day, or move it outside to an area that gets partial shade.
It doesn’t like to be too hot, so you will want to move it indoors when the temperatures are high (80° degrees Fahrenheit and above).
How and When To Water and Fertilize Violet Sky Plants?
The soil should be kept moist but not soggy, especially during the growing season.
Violet sky plants should be planted in a pot with drainage holes in the bottom.
While the plant is dormant, it does not need as much water, so only water it when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
What Is The Best Soil For Streptocarpella, And When Should You Transplant?
Violet sky prefers moist but well-drained soil conditions, with plenty of organic matter, mixed in with the potting soil.
Streptocarpus likes good drainage because they are susceptible to root rot if their roots stay wet for too long.
Watering should be done with care not to overwater your plant or allow its roots to sit in water.
Sphagnum peat moss comprises decomposed sphagnum mosses from bogs and swamps.
It can be found in most garden supply stores or online retailers at an affordable price.
You can mix it with organic potting mix or add some perlite or vermiculite to it, so it drains well enough for Streptocarpella plants.
Do Streptocarpella Plants Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
Streptocarpella is easy to grow and requires little maintenance.
They prefer a warm environment with abundant sunlight and adequate water throughout the year.
This will ensure that your plant’s leaves remain healthy and vibrant throughout the growing season.
How To Propagate Violet Sky Plants?
Although there are a couple of ways to propagate this plant, the easiest method is stem cutting.
Seedlings grow very slowly, so it is best to start with stem cuttings or divisions every few years rather than seeds or seedlings.
The roots may not be very deep, so do not plant too deeply into peaty soil, or they may rot.
Some species have tuberous roots, which can be dug up and brought indoors over the winter months if grown in a container or greenhouse.
Take cuttings from the stem of your plant during the spring season.
It is best to take them from the current year’s growth since this will ensure that they have more roots and leaves when planted.
Remove the leaves from the stem and place them in water to allow the roots to sprout.
Keep the stem near sunlight and grow until the roots are about 2 inches long.
When the roots are long enough, plant the stem in well-drained soil.
Cape Primrose Pests And Diseases
The most common pest infestations on streptocarpus come from aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs.
It is also susceptible to root rot, so it must have well-drained soil.
However, too much water is detrimental to this plant.
Is The Streptocarpella Plant Considered Toxic or Poisonous To People, Kids, or Pets?
Streptocarpella is a non-toxic plant that is safe to grow around children and pets.
Is The Streptocarpella Plant Considered Invasive?
No, it will not take over your garden.
Suggested Uses for Cape Primroses
Streptocarpella does well in a hanging basket, window box, or decorative container and should be grown in an organic potting mix that drains well.