How To Propagate Cape Primroses

Streptocarpus or Cape Primroses in a pot, used as a houseplant

Cuttings of Streptocarpus or Cape Primroses being propagated in a pot

Indigenous Streptocarpus or Cape primroses are very pretty houseplants and easy-to-grow flowering plants for dappled shade areas in the garden. It takes just a leaf or two from a healthy plant to propagate more of these rewarding plants. Signs of new growth from the cuttings can be seen in just 6 weeks, with perfectly formed tiny new plants developing along the cut edges of the leaf.

Leaf cuttings are easy to do, and the success rate is high with plants that can be propagated this way.

Before starting make sure your tools and the pots you are going to use are clean and sterilised.

6 Easy Steps To Propagate Cape Primroses

1. Cut a young fresh leaf from the centre of the mother plant from the base. Do not remove more than one or two leaves as it may weaken the plant.

2. Place the leaf on a clean board. Using a sharp non-serrated knife and slice across it at about 5cm intervals.

3. Fill up 10cm pots with commercial seedling mix with a few handfuls of grit added.

4. Insert the bottom edge of each leaf about 1cm deep into the soil. You can insert two sections per pot. Firm the soil down gently to hold them in place.

5. Spray with tepid water.

6. Pop a clear plastic bag over each pot, securing it with a rubber band. Blow the bag up, then prick some holes in it with a pin.

Aftercare

Place the cuttings in a warm, well-lit place such as a windowsill, but away from direct sunlight. Once wellrooted, move each cutting to a 10cm pot of its own to continue growing.

Prepare garden soil

Condition the soil to be light and free-draining by digging in organics such as peanut shells, milled bark compost, acid compost, or rotted pine needles – they like slightly acidic soil.

Prepare houseplant soil

To grow indoors in pots, use regular potting soil mixed with palm peat. Feed monthly with a potassium-rich fertiliser for acid-loving plants. Garden plants can be fertilised the same way.

Watering Cape Primroses

Water regularly in summer, but do not overdo or allow potted plants to stand in water. Watering can be toned down in winter, but do not let the plants dry out for prolonged periods.