Free Primula Malacoides Plants

Although the flowering period of this Primula may last only a few short weeks, the plant provides an attractive display during the normally drab months of late winter and early spring. Unlike P. vulgaris, which produces its flowers on short stalks close to the plant, this species bears its flowers in clusters on long erect stems giving the plant a dainty and delicate appearance, hence its common names of Baby or Fairy Primrose. Remove dying leaves and fading flowers to maintain the plant's appearance. The Primula does not like warm dry conditions and tends to etiolate and become unsightly after a few weeks indoors. It is therefore usually treated as an annual and renewed each year.

Plant type : Flowering plant with relatively compact, loose rosette
Season of interest : Late winter to early spring
Size : 20-30cm (8-12in)
Flower : 1.25cm gin), white, pink or red, on 20-30cm (8—12in) stems
Leaf : Serrated, 5-7.5cm (2—3in) long, 5cm (2in) wide, light green, hairy, on slender stems
Temperature : 10-15°C (50—59°F)
Aspect/Light : Well-lit situation, with some sunlight
Humidity : Moderate
Watering : Evenly moisten compost throughout year, but do not make over-wet
Feeding : Once every two to three weeks with flowering plant fertilizer in late winter to early spring
Propagation : Sow seeds at 16-20°C (61 -68°F) in seed and cutting compost in mid summer
Potting : Houseplant potting compost
Problems : Whitefly, leaf browning due to dry atmosphere
Availability : Commonly available from late winter to early spring
Uses indoors : Useful for display on its own or in a mixed arrangement in cool, weli-lit position in bedroom, kitchen or porch