Gloxinia Perennials

Characteristics

• The gloxinia, a close relative of the African violet, is a flowering plant with velvety, oblong leaves. The flowers are bell-shaped and usually measure about 3 inches in diameter. They range in color from blue, red, purple, pink and white and can also be two-toned. Some gloxinia varieties are single flowering and others are double flowering.

Soils and Growing Media

• A commercial potting soil with 50 percent organic matter is acceptable. A recipe for blending your own potting mixture consists of one part compost, one part peat moss, such as sphagnum, and one part vermiculite or perlite. This will give you a well-drained soil medium that is appropriate for gloxinia.

Climate

• Gloxinias bloom in warm temperatures and therefore do well as houseplants. Gloxinias do not handle stress well. They require bright, indirect light, but do not respond well to direct sunlight. For a period of about six to nine weeks in the fall as the leaves start to die off, ease off on watering the plant and allow it to go into its resting or dormant state. Move the plant to a darker area of the house and bring it back out when new growth starts to appear.

Watering

• Gloxinias are sensitive to cold or cool water, so allow water to warm to room temperature or use warm water from the tap. Do not get water on the leaves or allow the plant to dry out. A watering method known as sub-irrigating is a good way to water gloxinia. Place the gloxinia in a saucer of water and allow the plant to draw the water up from the bottom. This provides the plant with adequate water and keeps the water away from the leaves.