This plant is also known as the Cape primrose and comes from South Africa. Many different hybrids have been bred, but the ones usually seen as indoor plants tend to be ‘Constant Nymph’ or ‘John limes’ types.

These have a rosette of coarse, primrose-like leaves arising directly from the base of the plant; from these, the flower stalks are produced, bearing single or multiple blooms in shades of purple, blue, mauve, red, pink, or white.

The flowers may be followed by interesting, twisted seedpods, but these should be removed to promote further flowering. S. ‘Constant Nymph’ has pale blue-mauve flowers with darker lines in the throat and S. ‘John limes’ hybrids have flowers ranging from pale pink to blue and purple.

Size: Height 1 ft. (30 cm), spread 18 in. (45 cm).

Light: Indirect sunlight.

Temperature: Normal room.

Moisture: Allow to dry slightly between waterings.

Feeding: Give half strength high potash liquid fertilizer every two weeks from spring to fall.

Propagation: Take leaf cuttings, divide, or seed, in spring.

Special needs: Keep away from drafts and cold air, and increase humidity in high temperatures, by placing on a tray of moist pebbles.