Tips for Growing Gloxinia Plant Indoors

Botanical Name: Sinningia speciosa hybrids

Big, ruffled, bell-shaped blooms of florist gloxinia are available in a rich range of colors -- red, burgundy, pink, white, violet and purple. Some varieties have blooms edged in white, or have a contrasting spotted throat color. Its velvety flowers are carried on slender stems above a rosette of large, oval, hairy leaves with scalloped edges.

Originally, these showy gloxinia flowers were only grown from tuberous roots that went dormant in the winter. The tubers were then replanted for another seasonal show of flowers. Today, many gloxinias sold in florist shops were bred to grow from seed. These seed- grown hybrids produce better blooms because they don't devote energy to their root systems. However, their ability to come back after a dormant period is likely to be poor. They're treated as annuals and tossed out after one blooming season.

Plants grown from tubers can be stored in a cool, dry place for the winter and made to bloom the following year. To make the plant bloom again, pot the tuber hollow side up on the surface of fresh soil. Moisten the soil every few weeks. When you see new growth, place the pot in bright light and begin watering and fertilizing regularly.

Each bloom lasts about a week, with continuous blooming time lasting several weeks.

Origin: Brazil

Height: 8 in (20 cm)

Light: Bright light; no direct sun.

Water: Keep soil evenly moist. Provide good drainage or the roots may rot.

Humidity: Moderate humidity. Set plant on a tray of wet pebbles. Do not mist this plant because it could damage the flowers and leaves.

Temperature: Average room temperatures 60-75°F, 16-24°C

Soil: Peat moss based potting mix. African violet mix works well to hold moisture.

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks while the plant is growing and blooming with a high-phosphorus liquid fertilizer diluted by half.

Propagation: Seeds; leaf cuttings; division of tubers