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Brazilian Gloxinia Sinningia speciosa

Phonetic Spelling
sigh-NIN-jee-uh spee-see-OH-suh
Description

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.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Brocade Series
    dark green foliage, flower colors of blue, burgundy, rose, violet, white, and red. Some have white edging.
  • 'Carangola'
    rosette of olive green leaves, white flower with a dark purple interior
  • 'Purple'
    dark purple flowers
Brocade Series, 'Carangola', 'Purple'
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#houseplant#frost tender#velvety#tuberous#long bloom time#hairy leaves#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#showy#greenhouse plant
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • Brocade Series
    dark green foliage, flower colors of blue, burgundy, rose, violet, white, and red. Some have white edging.
  • 'Carangola'
    rosette of olive green leaves, white flower with a dark purple interior
  • 'Purple'
    dark purple flowers
Brocade Series, 'Carangola', 'Purple'
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#houseplant#frost tender#velvety#tuberous#long bloom time#hairy leaves#non-toxic for horses#non-toxic for dogs#non-toxic for cats#showy#greenhouse plant
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Sinningia
    Species:
    speciosa
    Family:
    Gesneriaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Grown as a houseplant in zones that are not tropical.
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Leaf Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Brazil
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Easy to Grow
    Dimensions:
    Height: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 0 ft. 6 in. - 1 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Perennial
    Habit/Form:
    Mounding
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    High
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    Less than 12 inches
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    Purple/Lavender
    Red/Burgundy
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Head
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Bell
    Trumpet
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Size:
    3-6 inches
    Flower Description:
    The flowers have a velvety feel and form in clusters. They sit above the foliage.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Velvety
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Oblong
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    Yes
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The scalloped leaves form in a rosette.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Rock Garden