Gloxinia

Looking after your Gloxinia

Gloxinia, are tropical plants that originate from the jungles in Brazil and are from the same family as African Violets. They therefore do best in indirect light, so make sure the sun does not touch the plant directly through the day. Gloxinia need a bit of coddling here in the UK. A warm shaded north or west facing windowsill is best, in a warm humid room, ideally somewhere out of any draughts and away from any radiators.

They are best watered little and often, up to 3 or 4 times a week if the weather is warm. They don’t like water on the leaves or flowers so carefully water the soil only or allow the plant to sit in a tray of water for a few minutes allowing the plant to suck up the moisture it needs. Try to make sure they are not left standing in water for a long period.

The dramatic blooms develop from the base of each branch and will slowly open over several weeks. To keep them flowering use a high phosphorous feed – something like tomato feed every couple of weeks throughout the flowering period and when they stop flowering, hold back on the watering and food, so that they dry allowing the leaves to die back. Remove the tuber from the soil and leave it to rest in a cool dark dry spot for 2 – 3 months, then repot into a slightly larger pot with fresh soil and start watering and feeding again.

Problem solving

Most problems with leaf drop or rot or soft stems are caused by overwatering so do err on the side of caution if you are not sure. They don’t tend to suffer from many pests but look out for aphids and treat early if you suspect there is a problem.