Brazilian Gloxinia

Sinningia speciosa (sigh-NIN-jee-uh spee-see-OH-suh)

Family: Gesneriaceae Unknown Herbaceous (1-3 ft)

The genus Sinningia comes from the head gardener at the University of Bonn, Wilhelm Sinning, while speciosa translates to showy or good-looking. A perennial bulb or tuber, and relative of African violets, gloxina is often grown as a potted houseplant that can be taken outside in the summer. They have ovate velvety green leaves that form a basal rosette. They need bright indoor light with no direct sunlight and constant moisture. It will bloom in the spring after which cut the leaves back to the first two leaves to encourage a second bloom. After the second bloom reduce watering until the foliage dies back. Place pots in a dark location with a constant temperature of 60-65 degrees. Mist the tubers so they do not dry out. After a dormancy period, the tubers should start to grow, at which time you can bring the pots back out into the light and resume regular watering. Removing spent flowers will encourage new flowers to form. Propagation can be accomplished from leaf cuttings. Take your cuttings in the springtime, the plant is most active during this time period. Only use leaves that are at least 2" in diameter. Smaller leaves don't have the necessary energy to form a good root system. To provide proper humidity and air circulation, place your potted cuttings in a plastic bag. Watch for any signs of rot, as that may indicate insufficient lighting, over-watering or inadequate air circulation. Regular maintenance includes the removal of any yellow or dying leaves and spent flowers. Hybrids that are commonly sold as gloxinia, are called florists' gloxinia. The blooms on these hybrids are typically larger and can come in a wider variety of colors, including pastels, blooms edged in white or with contrasting spotted throats. Insects, Diseases and Other Plant Problems: Possible problems include gray mold or crown rot from overwatering. Excessive sunlight can lead to scorch. Watering should not be done from overhead, as that method can promote crown rot or gray mold. Aphids, scale, fungus gnats, vine weevils, root mealybugs, and blackfly are some insects to watch out for. Leaf-spot, rust, powdery mildew and southern blights are some diseases that may affect your plant. A plant may die after blooming.

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 48 attributes.