Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) Care: Velvety Blooms, Specific Needs

Gloxinia dazzles with large, velvety, bell-shaped flowers in rich purples, pinks, reds, and whites above a rosette of fuzzy, oval leaves. Sold in bloom spring through summer, they're often treated as disposable—but with the right care, they'll return year after year from their tuber.

Light

Bright, indirect light. No direct sun—it scorches the velvety leaves. An east or north window, or under grow lights, works well.

Water: The Critical Rule

Never water the leaves or crown. Water from the bottom: set the pot in a saucer of room-temperature, softened water for 20–30 minutes. Let the soil absorb moisture from below. Keep soil evenly moist—never bone-dry, never soggy. If the top 2 cm dry out, growth stalls.

Temperature

60–85°F (16–30°C). A 10°F day/night difference is beneficial. Avoid cold drafts.

Buying Tips

Choose plants with dark, uniform foliage, tight buds, and no pests in leaf axils. Avoid any with yellowing leaves or mushy crowns.

After Blooming: Dormancy

When flowers fade, gradually reduce watering. Let foliage die back naturally. Store the tuber in its pot (or in peat) at 50–60°F (10–16°C) for 2–3 months. Repot in fresh, light mix in late winter; resume watering and light. New growth emerges from the tuber.

Pests

Watch for aphids, thrips, and cyclamen mites. Treat promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove diseased buds.

Why Bother?

Few flowers match gloxinia's plush, jewel-toned elegance. With a little discipline on watering, it's a stunning, long-lived houseplant.