Houseplant Care of a Gloxinia

Water

• Keep the soil moist. If the soil becomes dry and the gloxinia doesn't receive any water, its foliage will start to wilt. Severe wilt will cause the plant to die, even if you try to revive it with water. Lack of water can also cause flower buds to drop. Test the soil for dampness by inserting a finger 1 to 2 inches into the soil. If the soil is drying, water the plant.

Temperature

• House temperatures need to be 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and about 65 to 70 degrees F. at night. The plants need a location with good air circulation and high humidity. Provide extra humidity by placing a drainage tray filled with pea gravel under the pot to capture the water run-off after each watering.

Light

• Set the gloxinia in a window with indirect sunlight, preferably an east- or south-facing window when the sun isn't at its hottest. If the plant stems appear to lean toward the window, that's a sign that the plant isn't getting enough light. Move the houseplant closer to the light.

Fertilizer

• A gloxinia plant growing indoors in a container needs fertilizer every time you water it. Use fertilizer with a 15-15-15 formula (nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium) and apply it according to the package directions.

Wintering

• Reduce watering when the gloxinia flowers start to die back. When the leaves turn yellow and die, place the plant in a location that is dark and cool for 10 weeks. Do not water the plant during this rest period. When the plant starts to show new growth, move it to a bright location with indirect sunlight and start watering it so the soil is moist, but not overly wet.