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Gloxinia Gloxinella lindeniana

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Gloxinia:

Previously known as:

  • Kohleria lindeniana
Phonetic Spelling
gloks-IN-el-luh lin-den-ee-AY-nuh
Description

Gloxinia is a tropical blooming rhizomatous perennial, the only species in the Gesneriaceae family and is native to the mountains of tropical Columbia. The genus name is in honor of the German physician and botanist Benjamin Peter Gloxin. The plant is grown as much for its showy leaves as for the purple and white flowers. 

The velvety leaves are green and brown with whitish venation and the flowers are bell-shaped lavender to purple with the edges fading to white or pale lavender. This plant is usually grown as a house plant and also in terrariums. It sends out rhizomes that can quickly fill a pot. New plants can be started from these rhizomes. Prune as needed to prevent legginess. The plant will sometimes go dormant during the winter but will resprout from the rhizomes.

This plant needs temperatures above 60 degrees, medium to high humid conditions and moist but well-drained soil. Avoid the afternoon sun as the leaves will burn. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#purple flowers#showy leaves#terrarium#morning sun#variegated#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#showy flowers#purple flowers#showy leaves#terrarium#morning sun#variegated#humidity tolerant#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#container plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Gloxinella
    Species:
    lindeniana
    Family:
    Gesneriaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Colombia
    Distribution:
    Colombia
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Spreading
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Solitary
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Bell-shaped flowers with 5 petals are deeper purple at the throat and fade to lavender or white at the edges. Flowers best in humid conditions
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Feel:
    Velvety
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Description:
    Varigated fuzzy leaves are green and brown with whitish veins and red undersides
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Humidity