3 Review(s)

Planting and care Gloxinia plants can grow quite large, a mature plant can have up to two dozen or more very large blooms open at one time creating a fantastic display. Gloxinia can be grown in natural light or on lighted plant stands, and come in a wide variety of colours and flower shapes: single or double flowers with plain or ruffled petals, solid colours, edged flowers, bicolors. Gloxinia can be easily grown from seed which is often easier for beginners than mastering the art of propagation by tuber or leaf. SUNLIGHT Gloxinia requires very bright, indirect light in order to bloom and do not like intense, direct sunlight. On plant stands, I use two fluorescent tubes and place plants 10 to 12 inches from the lights for 14 to 16 hrs. per day. Growing under lights keeps plants from getting scraggly or leggy from uneven light conditions and ensures that they receive enough light to bloom freely. WATER Water gloxinias often enough to keep the soil moist. The leaves develop brown spots if they get wet, so apply the water directly to the soil under the leaves. If allowed to dry out, gloxinias go dormant. TEMPERATURE Gloxinia prefers temperatures similar to African violets and Streptocarpus. Ideal temperatures are between 70F-75F degrees during the day and 65F-70F degrees at night. Gloxinia prefers higher humidity than African violets or Streptocarpus, and many growers find that they must supplement the humidity in their grow rooms with pebble trays or a humidifier in order to grow Gloxinia successfully year-round. FERTILIZER A good rule of thumb is to feed your Gloxinia a weak (1/4 strength) balanced fertilizer solution each time you water. Adjustments may be made depending upon your water composition and growing medium. Stop feeding when you reduce watering in preparation for dormancy