Sinningia - Gloxinia
Sinningia - Gloxinia
Gloxinia grows best in full sun in winter, but partial shade at other times of the year. Most well drained potting soils will be adequate. Water when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. Use any house plant fertilizer according to label directions on actively growing plants. Ideal temperatures are 70 to 75 degrees during the day and 65 to 70 degrees at night. Store the tubers at 55 degrees. When the blooms have faded and the foliage has died, the pot and bulb may be stored in darkness for 6 to 8 weeks. Do not water during the rest period and repot the tuber during the winter. Increase watering when the leaves appear but keep water off the plant crown to prevent diseases. Overwatering causes bud blast. Insufficient light causes leggy or vine- like plants.
Propagation is by leaf cuttings taken in spring from young shoots. The tubers may be divided with each division having an eye or bud.
