Pest identification
What's eating my kim cape primrose?
Mealybug
Signs: Cottony white wax in leaf axils and the crown; sticky deposits; stunted or yellowing leaves
Control: Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly until gone
Aphid
Signs: Soft-bodied clusters on flower stalks and buds; honeydew; flowers may abort
Control: Wipe off with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days
Cyclamen mite
Signs: Growing tip leaves curl under, become brittle, or look hairy and distorted; new flowers misshapen
Control: Isolate plant immediately; treat with neem oil or a registered miticide; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
Fungus gnat
Signs: Larvae damage roots in wet compost; adults emerge and fly around indoors
Control: Allow surface to dry between waterings; use Bti drench or sticky yellow traps; consider a grit top-dressing
Keep kim cape primrose pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Kim cape primrose pests — FAQ
What is eating my kim cape primrose?
Streptocarpus 'Kim' is a popular UK-bred hybrid houseplant. Mealybugs are its most frequent pest, sheltering in leaf axils and crown. Aphids target the plentiful flower stems. Fungus gnats breed in wet compost. Cyclamen mites can cause subtle distortion of the growing tip that is easy to overlook.
How do I get rid of mealybug on kim cape primrose?
Cottony white wax in leaf axils and the crown; sticky deposits; stunted or yellowing leaves Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly until gone
How do I get rid of aphid on kim cape primrose?
Soft-bodied clusters on flower stalks and buds; honeydew; flowers may abort Wipe off with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days
How do I get rid of cyclamen mite on kim cape primrose?
Growing tip leaves curl under, become brittle, or look hairy and distorted; new flowers misshapen Isolate plant immediately; treat with neem oil or a registered miticide; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks
How do I get rid of fungus gnat on kim cape primrose?
Larvae damage roots in wet compost; adults emerge and fly around indoors Allow surface to dry between waterings; use Bti drench or sticky yellow traps; consider a grit top-dressing