Streptocarpus Sphinx | Cape Primrose

Long, slender leaves, which are heavily veined and slightly wrinkled, form a basal rosette, from which the flower stems emerge in spring, summer and autumn, each carrying several exotic-looking blooms. Originating from tropical regions, they are easy to grow house plants, which will typically put on a mouth-watering display of attractively patterned, violet-purple flowers over an incredibly long period. Home care: Throughout the growing season, keep them quite well watered, but as they are sensitive to overwatering, allow the compost to get a little dry in between; during this time they should also be fed with a high potash fertiliser. Remove spent flowers as they fade and trim back any old leaves that are past their best. Overwinter on a south or west-facing windowsill and water less often. Repot each spring into a slightly larger, shallow pot filled with fibre-based compost. They can also be used as summer bedding - grow in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade.