Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) Care: Velvety Bells for Indoor Beauty

Florist’s gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) is a tuberous gesneriad with huge, velvety, bell-shaped flowers in rich colors. Popular as a gift plant, it thrives in bright indirect light, high humidity, and warm nights.

Requirements

• Light: Indirect/filtered (screened window, lath house). Morning/evening sun OK.
• Soil: African violet mix or peat-perlite; slightly acidic to neutral.
• Temp: Nights 65–70°F; days 10° warmer. High humidity (gravel tray, misting).
• Water: Drench, then let moderately dry. Reduce in winter/dormancy. Use non-acidic rainwater.
• Fertilizer: Monthly water-soluble bloom booster or annual slow-release in spring.

Propagation & Pruning

• Cut spent flowers at stem base.
• Stem cuttings: 45° cut, root in light moist mix, bright cool spot, 4–5 months to transplant.

Pests

Watch for aphids, scale, mites, whiteflies, thrips. Use sterile soil, clean conditions.

Gloxinia rewards careful culture with months of spectacular, rose-like blooms.