Troubleshooting
Small Cape Primrose problems — and how to fix them
Small Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus parviflorus) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Botrytis (grey mould)
In humid, poorly ventilated conditions, Botrytis cinerea causes grey, fuzzy mould on leaves and flowers. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, and remove any dead or dying leaves promptly.
Vine weevil
Adult vine weevils notch the leaf margins, while larvae devastate the root system, causing sudden wilting. Check root balls when repotting and treat with a biological control (Steinernema nematodes) or an appropriate vine weevil drench in late summer.
Prevent small cape primrose problems before they start
Most small cape primrose issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for small cape primrose in general rather than its problems? Read the full small cape primrose care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Small Cape Primrose problems — FAQ
Why is my small cape primrose botrytis (grey mould)?
In humid, poorly ventilated conditions, Botrytis cinerea causes grey, fuzzy mould on leaves and flowers. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting foliage, and remove any dead or dying leaves promptly.
Why is my small cape primrose vine weevil?
Adult vine weevils notch the leaf margins, while larvae devastate the root system, causing sudden wilting. Check root balls when repotting and treat with a biological control (Steinernema nematodes) or an appropriate vine weevil drench in late summer.