Gloxina

Sinningia speciosa)

August 1996

DESCRIPTION:

Short stems with large, hairy leaves, oval with toothed margins. Lush, velvety flowers are goblet shaped, flaring and fringed at the edges.

FLOWER COLORS:

Red, Violet, Rose, White

AFTER FLOWERING:

Reduce watering and stop fertilizing as leaves die down. Allow tubers to rest 2-4 months in completely dry soil. When new growth appears, re-pot in new soil, resume water, fertilizer, & high light.

AVAILABLE:

May to August

CONTAINER:

Small container.

LIGHT:

Medium - high. Does well near an east, west, or south window, filtered light, or location receiving 1000 footcandles or more.

WATER:

Normal to frequent. Water thoroughly, keep soil moist. Can let soil dry to the touch to a soil depth of 1/2".

TEMPERATURE:

Medium - warm. 61 - 85 (degrees F) days, 56 - 75 nights.

HUMIDITY:

High

FERTILIZER:

Every 2 weeks

SOIL MIX:

1 to 2 parts sphagnum peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, 1 part sterilized loam, and 1 part clean coarse sand or Perlite.

PROPOGATION:

Seed - October through March.

SELECTION GUIDE:

Select sturdy, shapely plant with healthy foliage and bright, clear colored flowers. New flower buds desirable. Check leaf axils for insects. Avoid plants with disease or insect damage.

CARE:

Moderate. Lives well under average home conditions. Attractive with moderate maintenance.

OTHER CULTIVARS:

Many cultivars available

PROBLEMS:

Aphids: Wash with soapy water or use an insecticide.
Scale insects: Scrape off. Isolate. If severe, dispose of plant.
Thrips: Wash, pick off and destroy infected buds. Spray with insecticide.
Tomato spotted wilt virus: Discard plant.

COMMENTS:

Often given as a gift plant, and also a popular hobby plant. Avoid spashing water on foliage, causes leaf spots.

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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