Dawn
Gloxinia is a beautiful plant like the African violet . This one grows from tubers and like African violets require the similar kind of soil and growing conditions.
The botanical name of Gloxinia is Sinningia speciosa. It is a perennial that can add magic to your garden. Gloxinias are native to Brazil.
Gloxinias need to be planted in spring. The soil needs to able to retain a tiny amount of moisture and should be well draining. I usually use coco peat, vermiculite and small amount of garden soil. It is a indoor plant and cannot tolerate direct sun like African violets. The tubers need to be planted right at the soil level to avoid rotting.
Watering can kill this plant more than anything else. African violet fertilizers work well for gloxinias. However, I prefer organic fertilizers for all my plants. I use a small amount rock phosphate and bone meal in the soil mix.
These plants require a lot of light, but not direct sunlight. Never keep these plants near glass windows where there is direct sunlight. The heat will not only burn the leaves but it will eventually cook the plant.
How to grow gloxinia in hot climates?
In the subtropics it good to hang them in the shade of trees. Indirect light and heat is enough to help this plant thrive. It is important to reduce and slowly stop watering the plants when it is done blooming. This could help you save the tubers for the next season.
I have had many failures with Gloxinia as it doesn’t do well in our climate. However, it is from failures that you learn the route to success.
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Question of
Do you have gloxinias where you live?
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Yes
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No
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Question of
Do you like these satiny flowers?
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Yes
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No
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I’d like to see a photo when it’s open.
Oh I am so sorry I think I forgot to take pictures. Too many guests during that time,.
Such a lovely flower, I don’t think I have seen it before.
Are you sure Ellie? Maybe because my flower is not opened out fully you don’t recognize it.
You might be right. My Google search says it’s a popular flower here, but I didn’t know its name.
This plant has beautiful flowers. I would love to have it in my garden.
I am sure you love them , they are like velvety roses.
They are beautiful Dawn. Have never seen these in my area.
Hmm Carol, you too? I am surprised. I thought it is common there.
well overwatering is the one thing I can do well! I guess this one is not for me! i am a plant killer by accident.
Lovely picture and interesting – i agree with you on the choice of organic soil additives. It is much better for the environment overall!
LOL , Actually a lot of people kill their plants with too much love. I grow my veggies using organic fertilizers , now i have extended this to all my other plants including my bonsais.
you are very kind. I suspect there are those who can sit down and figure out new technology in minutes. There are those that can sit down and look at a plant and understand how it works.
Both are critical skills, just completely different. Sadly I only have the first skill.
It is all about how you are mentally wired. I am stuck to nature and plants are my best friends.
I like the last line. When you handel the failure well you get success.
Gardening teaches us a lot of life lessons and this is one of them.
Thank you Giri, for your kind words.
It looks nice. We don’t have it here
I have a friend from Philippines how grows gloxinias. She also struggles with them.