Genus guide
Streptocarpus — 43 species
Part of the African violets & gesneriads family (Gesneriaceae)
Streptocarpus, commonly known as Cape Primrose, is a soft-stemmed genus of African gesneriads prized for its prolific, trumpet-shaped blooms that can persist for up to ten months of the year. It thrives in bright, indirect light — a north- or east-facing windowsill suits it well — and prefers consistently moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter; avoid letting it dry out completely between waterings, and never mist the foliage. All species in this genus are confirmed non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA, making it an excellent choice for pet-friendly homes.
All Streptocarpus species we cover
- African Violet 'Optimara'
- African violet streptocarpus
- Almost-round Cape Primrose
- Banded Cape Primrose
- Blue Frills cape primrose
- Cape Primrose
- Cape Primrose
- Cape Primrose
- Cape Primrose 'Bristol's Party Girl'
- Dunn's cape primrose
- Dwarf Cape Primrose
- Free-flowering Streptocarpus
- Garden Cape Primrose
- Grand Cape Primrose
- Haygarth's Cape Primrose
- Johannes Cape Primrose
- Kim cape primrose
- many-flowered cape primrose
- Meyer's Cape Primrose
- Modest Cape Primrose
- Noble Cape Primrose
- Penther's Cape Primrose
- primrose-leaf cape primrose
- Primrose-leaf Streptocarpus
- Ridged Cape Primrose
- Round-leaf Cape Primrose
- Single-leaf Cape Primrose
- Small Cape Primrose
- Small-flowered Cape Primrose
- Stomandra Cape Primrose
- Streptocarpus 'Bethan'
- Streptocarpus 'Black Panther'
- Streptocarpus 'Chorus Line'
- Streptocarpus 'Falling Stars'
- Streptocarpus 'Harlequin Blue'
- Streptocarpus 'Polka-Dot Purple'
- Streptocarpus 'Purple Haze'
- Streptocarpus 'Targa'
- Streptocarpus caulescens
- Streptocarpus saxorum
- Trailing Cape Primrose
- Vandeleur's Cape Primrose
- Wendland's cape primrose
Streptocarpus — frequently asked questions
Are Streptocarpus plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Streptocarpus are pet-safe. Of the 43 Streptocarpus species we cover, 43 are non-toxic on the ASPCA list and 0 carry a toxic or mildly-toxic rating. Even so, confirm the individual species before trusting it around pets.
How much light do Streptocarpus plants need?
Most Streptocarpus do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Streptocarpus easy to care for?
Streptocarpus are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Streptocarpus varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 43 Streptocarpus species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Streptocarpus, the rest follow closely.
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