Streptocarpus
( strep - toh - KAR - pus )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Cape Primrose, African Violet or Streps, this genus of flowering herbaceous plants includes species which are native to tropical and southern Africa, Madagascar, and the Comoro Islands. They need bright shade and regular waterings to perform well in the garden. Flowers produced by this genus are five-petaled and have an almost Orchid-like appearance. These plants enjoy growing in rock crevices, on shaded and rocky hillsides and on the ground. They are also commonly cultivated as indoor houseplants.
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Streptocarpus Species and Varietals
The genus Streptocarpus includes 155 species, and is a member of the plant family Gesneriaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek words streptos (twisted) and carpos (fruit), referring to the plants' characteristic twisted seed pods. The genus is divided into two subgenera: Streptocarpus (Cape Primrose) and Streptocarpella (Nodding Violet) which also includes the previously separate genus Saintpaulia, or African Violet. The plants in this genus are closely related to those in Aeschynanthus (Lipstick Plant) and Sinningia (Gloxinia). Streptocarpus plants are suited for growing in USDA hardiness zones 9-11. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Streptocarpus glandulosissimus (Cape Primrose) This species is a member of the subgenus Streptocarpus and is native to Africa, where it is often found growing along shady streambanks and montane forested areas. Flowers are blue-purple. These plants are considered shrubby to trailing herbs, but can also grow upright depending on conditions. Flowers are borne along stems and leaves are green and velvety. |
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Streptocarpus x hybridus (Hybrid Cape Primrose)
This group of ornamentals was created through crossing various species such as Streptocarpus rexii, Streptocarpus parviflorus, and Streptocarpus dunnii. They were bred for their size, disease, pest and climate resistances, and ornamental qualities. Cultivars are listed and described below:
This group of ornamentals was created through crossing various species such as Streptocarpus rexii, Streptocarpus parviflorus, and Streptocarpus dunnii. They were bred for their size, disease, pest and climate resistances, and ornamental qualities. Cultivars are listed and described below:
'Constant Nymph'
Classic cultivar with violet-blue flowers. |
'Falling Stars'
With a semi-trailing habit and small violet flowers. |
'Sirius'
Vibrant purple blooms edged with white. |
'Strawberry Ice'
With soft, eye-catching pink blossoms. |
'Roulette Azur'
With profuse white flowers with violet edges. |
Streptocarpus ionanthus (Saintpaulia ionantha) (African Violet)
This species is native to eastern and southwestern Tanzania, and produces low-growing herbaceous flowering plants. They typically reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall, though this varies, as some cultivars were bred to be more compact. They have a width of 6 to 12 inches. Cultivars are listed and described below:
This species is native to eastern and southwestern Tanzania, and produces low-growing herbaceous flowering plants. They typically reach up to 6 to 12 inches tall, though this varies, as some cultivars were bred to be more compact. They have a width of 6 to 12 inches. Cultivars are listed and described below:
'Amethyst'
Classic form with single light purple flowers. |
'Champagne Pink'
Compact with double pink blossoms and variegated foliage. |
'Diamond Tiffany'
With ruffled white flowers edged in pale green. |
'Tommie Lou'
With clear white variegation on green foliage. |
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Streptocarpus rexii (Cape Primrose, Rexia, Twin Sisters, Wild Gloxinia, Kaapse Pronkklokkies) This species produces a basal rosette of wrinkly green leaves from which thin brown flower stalks appear, supporting tubular trumpet-shaped flowers with dark throat markings. This species was the first to be formally described in the genus and is a parent to the popular Streptocarpus x hybridus cultivars. Flowers are showy, and led to the plant being highly hybridized in the following years. These plants are ideal for hanging baskets and are commonly grown as greenhouse or indoor plants. They reach up to between 6 and 10 inches tall at maturity. |
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Streptocarpus saxorum (False African Violet, Cape Primrose, Streptocarpella, Cape Violet, Nodding Violet, Bavarian Belles) This plant forms a basal rosette of green leaves, and produces flowers year-round. It is native to Kenya and Tanzania, and is an evergreen perennial plant commonly grown indoors or as a greenhouse specimen. The main cultivar of this species is 'Concord Blue', which has airy, dainty purple-blue flowers with white throats and a trailing habit. |
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Caring for Streptocarpus
Streptocarpus, or Cape Primrose, is a tropical plant that can be grown outdoors in tropical climates or indoors as a houseplant. Outdoors, they should be situated in a space that does not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They do very well in containers outdoors. Choose a hanging basket or container that has adequate drainage holes on the bottom. The ideal soil for these flowers is two to three parts compost, 1 part perlite, and 1 part orchid bark. They grow best in a slightly acidic soil with an optimal pH range of between 5.5 and 6.0. They need excellent drainage to thrive; water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Plant these flowers in a space in the garden that gets bright, indirect light or gentle morning sun. They should not get any late afternoon direct sun, as this exposure will quickly sunburn leaves and stress the plant, potentially causing death. Every year, check the bottom of the container to see if roots are beginning to grow through. If they are, choose a larger container and repot. Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants.
Growing Streptocarpus Indoors
As indoor specimens, these plants prefer to be situated in a warm, humid location with bright indirect light. Lipstick Plants will do best with temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and like to be in an environment with a humidity of 40-60%. Mist plants regularly to provide adequate humidity for best growth. If they are not receiving enough light, for example if they are grown in medium indirect light, they will lose some leaves, foliage color and potentially not flower. Increase light using grow lamps if needed. Keep the soil moist but not wet. More frequent waterings are needed in warmer, drier months and during the active flowering period. During wintertime, these plants go somewhat dormant, and will need less water. Never leave roots sitting in water; this will cause the plant to develop root rot. Prune plants with sanitized scissors or clippers, removing dead, yellowing, or ratty stems and leaves close to the base. Check the bottom of your plant's pot regularly to determine if any roots are attempting to grow out through the bottom drainage holes. Once roots emerge, it is time to pot up. If your plant has become root-bound or if there are sections of roots that have died since it was last repotted, this is a good time to break up those roots or trim some off.
Growing Streptocarpus Indoors
As indoor specimens, these plants prefer to be situated in a warm, humid location with bright indirect light. Lipstick Plants will do best with temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and like to be in an environment with a humidity of 40-60%. Mist plants regularly to provide adequate humidity for best growth. If they are not receiving enough light, for example if they are grown in medium indirect light, they will lose some leaves, foliage color and potentially not flower. Increase light using grow lamps if needed. Keep the soil moist but not wet. More frequent waterings are needed in warmer, drier months and during the active flowering period. During wintertime, these plants go somewhat dormant, and will need less water. Never leave roots sitting in water; this will cause the plant to develop root rot. Prune plants with sanitized scissors or clippers, removing dead, yellowing, or ratty stems and leaves close to the base. Check the bottom of your plant's pot regularly to determine if any roots are attempting to grow out through the bottom drainage holes. Once roots emerge, it is time to pot up. If your plant has become root-bound or if there are sections of roots that have died since it was last repotted, this is a good time to break up those roots or trim some off.
Propagation
Streptocarpus plants can be propagated by division or cuttings. These plants will reproduce asexually via creeping underground tubers, and clumps can be divided from time to time for planting elsewhere. To propagate your Brazilian Gloxinia, follow the directions below:
Propagating Streptocarpus by Division
Division is probably the easiest way to propagate these plants. The idea behind this method is that you are taking an existing clump of live plants and breaking it into smaller segments. This is something you will want to do whether or not you are looking to propagate your plant, as they need to be divided every so often for health reasons. Otherwise, the roots will become too crowded. Division should be attempted only when the plant is not in its blooming period. To use this method, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw, extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots (again, if you will not be planting your divisions directly into the ground). To propagate your Cape Primrose by division, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Streptocarpus by Cutting
Propagating Streptocarpus by Division
Division is probably the easiest way to propagate these plants. The idea behind this method is that you are taking an existing clump of live plants and breaking it into smaller segments. This is something you will want to do whether or not you are looking to propagate your plant, as they need to be divided every so often for health reasons. Otherwise, the roots will become too crowded. Division should be attempted only when the plant is not in its blooming period. To use this method, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw, extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots (again, if you will not be planting your divisions directly into the ground). To propagate your Cape Primrose by division, follow the instructions below:
- Identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the roots. Once you've gotten your plant out of the ground, lay it out on its side.
- Divide the clump into segments, either with your shovel or with a pruning saw, as many as you'd like as long as there is at least one viable above ground segment attached to each. Inspect segments to ensure health, trimming off any diseased or dying parts.
- Fill a pot with potting soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the root ball of your division, and place your new plant in the soil. Water generously, ensuring that adequate drainage is occurring. Place the pot in a sunny location until you are ready to plant it in the ground.
Propagating Streptocarpus by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- In late summer or early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that the plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances the cutting will take root. Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and take a 2-inch cutting, severing it from the plant just above a leaf node. Make a hole in the planting medium by pushing a pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. It should be kept in warm, sunny conditions in a protected area. Water whenever the soil is dry under the top layer. After about two to four weeks have passed, the cutting should be rooted. New growth indicates the formation of roots.
- Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the seedling can be hardened off and then planted outdoors.
Problems and Pests
Streptocarpus plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Spider Mites
- Vine Weevil
- Bush Snail
- Root Rot
- Crown Rot
- Powdery Mildew
- Gray Mold (Botrytis)
Gallery
These plants can be grown outdoors in shady garden spaces.
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Flowers are tubular and are pollinated by birds, flies, butterflies, moths, and bees.
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The former genus Saintpaulia, or African Violet, is now included in this genus.
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