Gloxinia

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Gesneriaceae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Gloxinia

Species

speciosa

Description

The Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) is a tuberous species of tropical origin and is therefore often grown as a houseplant. With its unique and refined elegance, it is prized for its dark, velvety leaves, which set off its single or double flowers in shades of white, blue, pink or red. Indoors, it should be placed in a spot with good light but out of direct sunlight, preferably in a well-ventilated room, to prolong the flowering period, which typically lasts a few months. There are early-flowering, compact varieties as well as late-flowering, vigorous ones.

After a period of vegetative growth, provided the correct growing conditions are maintained, it will flower again in late spring, as the days grow longer.

With high temperature requirements throughout the entire growing cycle, it requires very light-filled structures, such as glasshouses, and thermally efficient facilities to ensure that cultivation is viable.

Curiosities and special features

The botanical genus Sinningia was named in honour of W. Sinning, head gardener at the University of Bonn’s Botanical Garden, whilst the specificepithet ‘speciosa’ means‘show-stopping’, in reference to the elegance of the flowers.

Origin and distribution

The botanical genus Sinningia isnative to south-western Brazil; the species *Sinningia speciosa* wasintroduced to Europe in the early 19th century.

Leaf

The leaves have an elliptical, tomentose blade.

Leaf colour

A uniform shade, harmonising in colour with the bell-shaped flowers.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.18 to 0.25 m.

Lifespan

Cultivated mainly as an annual.

Where to plant

Suitable for indoor use ; ensure the room is well-ventilated to help extend the flowering period.

Stem

A herbaceous species; the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in shape and large, with a bell-shaped corolla and two-coloured petals featuring a central spot. It flowers from mid-spring to summer, with a flowering period of between 70 and 100 days.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

The plant’s growth habit is upright, a feature visually emphasised by the flower stalks.

PH

It requires a substrate pH of between 5.5 and 6.0.

A high soil pH, above 6.0–6.2, causes iron deficiency.

Sun exposure

We recommend placing it in a spot with bright shade, away from direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest part of the day.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 20 and 25 °C.

Use

Thanks to its vivid, bright-coloured blooms, it is widely appreciated as a plant in:
Ornamental use

Given the prevailing climatic conditions, it is mainly used as a houseplant.

Hardiness

A plant with a medium-to-low hardiness; it requires a warm, humid climate, sheltered from cold draughts.

Soil

Use a high-quality potting compost for potted foliage plants, containing peat and perlite, to ensure that excess water drains away properly.

Difficulty

It can be moderately difficult to grow, but with the right care it will thrive and flower profusely. Pay attention to the optimum growing temperature and the temperature of the water used for watering.

Growing tips

Some specific growing guidelines:
In low light, the plants will not flower Avoid overwatering It prefers a warm, humid climate

Watering

Water the compost directly without causing waterlogging. Using cold water can cause stress to the plant and lead to yellow spots appearing on the leaves.

Do not water the plant from above, especially in the afternoon and evening, to prevent the development of fungal diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

Fertilise three or four weeks after potting, during the spring and summer months, by adding a balanced fertiliser specifically formulated for flowering herbaceous plants to the potting compost, mixing it into the watering can without exceeding the recommended dose or frequency.

Do not fertilise on dry compost.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Tip

Gloxinia is very sensitive to draughts and overwatering, which could cause the roots to rot. During the summer, when night-time temperatures remain above 15–16°C, it can be placed outdoors in a sheltered, shaded spot, out of direct sunlight. Be careful not to water with water that is too cold, as this could cause yellow patches on the leaves. The water should be at room temperature.