Plant Encyclopedia

Other Names:  Streptocarpus sub. streptocarpella, Cape Primrose

Description:

Dainty, airy violet-blue flowers with white eyes rise above soft, medium green leaves on this lovely compact plant; perfect to present in hanging baskets, patio containers, and beds

Features & Attributes

False African Violet features dainty panicles of blue tubular flowers with violet overtones and white throats rising above the foliage from mid spring to mid fall. Its tomentose oval leaves emerge light green, turning bluish-green in color throughout the year. The burgundy stems can be quite attractive and add to the plant's interest.

This is an herbaceous evergreen houseplant with a mounded form. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other indoor plants with less refined foliage. This plant may benefit from an occasional pruning to look its best.

Planting & Growing

When grown indoors, False African Violet can be expected to grow to be about 8 inches tall at maturity extending to 12 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 15 inches. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. This houseplant performs well in both bright or indirect sunlight and strong artificial light, and can therefore be situated in almost any well-lit room or location. It prefers to grow in average to moist soil. The surface of the soil shouldn't be allowed to dry out completely, and so you should expect to water this plant once and possibly even twice each week. Be aware that your particular watering schedule may vary depending on its location in the room, the pot size, plant size and other conditions; if in doubt, ask one of our experts in the store for advice. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soil. Contact the store for specific recommendations on pre-mixed potting soil for this plant.

There are many factors that will affect the ultimate height, spread and overall performance of a plant when grown indoors; among them, the size of the pot it's growing in, the amount of light it receives, watering frequency, the pruning regimen and repotting schedule. Use the information described here as a guideline only; individual performance can and will vary. Please contact the store to speak with one of our experts if you are interested in further details concerning recommendations on pot size, watering, pruning, repotting, etc.

-- THIS IS A HOUSEPLANT AND IS NOT MEANT TO SURVIVE THE WINTER OUTDOORS IN OUR CLIMATE --