Gloxinia – a unique flower that blossoms in different colors and shapes

If you want more color in your own home, then you need indoor plants rich in flowers, preferably at least one gloxinia underneath. This exotic can also thrive outside in the tub on the balcony or terrace and surprise you every day with its unique blossoms. It is really a balm for the eyes and soul, unfortunately only for a short time. All gloxinia hybrids that we maintain in our country only bloom from June to August. What else you should know about the natural beauties and how to best care for the gloxinias, you will find out below.

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As we mentioned earlier, the gloxinia is a hybrid houseplant that was created from crosses. Its botanical name is Sinningia, because the most beautiful hybrid plants can be traced back to crosses of Sinningia speciosa with many other species of the genus. Originally all the species involved, such as Sinningia villosa and Sinningia helleri, come from Central and South America.

The species Sinningia speciosa, for example, comes from the rainforests of Brazil, where it has been at home for a long time. Numerous hybrids are known today, around 60 to 80 in number.

What actually characterizes the gloxinia and how can a plant enthusiast easily recognize it among many other flower-rich houseplants on the market? Characteristic for the exotic from Brazil are its attractive funnel-shaped flowers. In the first place, they score with their colors. These vary from white and pink to red and purple to blue-violet and violet. All colors are saturated and immediately noticeable. The flowers can be monochrome or two-tone. For example, some hybrids have a white border or are slightly curled on the edge. There are even gloxinia hybrids, the flowers of which are reminiscent of the rose petals. However, you can hardly compete with the beautiful queen of flowers.

So that you can enjoy the beautiful gloxinia flowers at home or on the terrace for a long time, you must observe the following care tips:

Location and soil: Choose a warm, light, but partially shaded location for the gloxinia, preferably where the humidity is high. Avoid direct sunlight, otherwise the leaves and flowers of the plant will get sunburned. The gloxinia likes temperatures between 18 and 24 degrees C. Avoid places where the air is dry or strong temperature fluctuations are possible. Otherwise the exotic will get rolled up yellow leaves. In addition, the beautiful houseplant does not like drafts. Use ordinary potting soil mixed with some sand. Special cactus soil is also possible here, because it is sandy and well drained.

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Watering and fertilizing: Water the plant regularly with lukewarm water so that the substrate never dries out completely. However, you must never spray the leaves and flowers with water. It would be best if you pour the water directly into the coaster. In late summer, the plant begins to slowly withdraw into the tuber. Then you need to water less and gradually adjust it. You can use a cactus fertilizer for fertilization during the flowering period.

Propagation and overwintering: The propagation of the gloxinia is possible either by cuttings or by dividing the tuber in spring. The first method will require a lot of patience, although success is not guaranteed. It is the same with wintering too. The plant pulls into the tuber from September, no longer forms leaves or flowers. However, the tuber is so small that it could hardly survive the winter. Therefore it is better not to experiment with it.

Extra tip: If the green leaves are inadequately or incorrectly cared for, they can get sick. Be careful that the gloxinia is not attacked by aphids or spider mites! Find out here how you can fight them naturally.

Take all our care tips into consideration and you will fully enjoy the beautiful, intensely colored flowers of the gloxinia in midsummer.