How to Trim Streptocarpus

Streptocarpus plants also go by the common name of cape primrose and thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zones 10 and warmer, where it is a perennial. The plant grows as a low mound, reaching only 1 1/2 feet tall and wide at maturity. In the spring and summer, they produce masses of brightly colored blue, purple, pink and white flowers. The plants require regular trimming to increase blooming potential.

Hand pruners
Pruning shears

Instructions

- 1
  Look closely at the foliage of the streptocarpus plant and identify any leaves that have brown tips on them or that are completely brown. Cut the leaves off at the node where they attach to the stem using hand pruners. If a leaf is only partially brown, you can cut off only the brown portion using the hand pruners and leave the remaining portion of the leaf.
- 2
  Examine the streptocarpus plant daily and identify any stems that have fading blooms at the top. Trim these blooms off using hand pruners and making the cut 1/2 inch below the bloom head.
- 3
  Locate any stems that have completely stopped producing flowers and are brown, meaning they are dead. Trace these brown stems down to the soil line in the center of the plant and cut them off using hand pruners.
- 4
  Trim all of the stems back using pruning shears when all flowering ceases on the streptocarpus plant. You can trim the stem back all the way to the soil, or leave them longer if you desire to have green foliage. If you leave the foliage longer, trim it to a rounded shape using the hand pruners or pruning shears.

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