Question
gloxinia leaf
I have had a gloxinia for over a year. It bloomed for a very long time when I bought it and then started to decline, so I let it rest in a cool place for a few months, and to my surprise, it came back! I have put it back in its same pot with some new soil, and have it in the same spot in my apartment, a couple of feet from a south window. I water it once a week, and keep it pretty moist. I'll water it during the week if the soil looks dry. It thrived with this treatment before its dormant period, so I don't know what I am doing wrong. From what I have read on the internet, it sounds like it could be getting too much direct light, but the light is no different than before. I thought maybe the pot isn't draining well enough, but it doesn't sound like that would produce these dry spots. I used to have a humidifier and haven't gotten it out yet for the winter, so I'm not sure if that is a factor. I don't see any of the normal bugs. I do have gnats - my mom over watered my plants while I was on vacation and I have not been able to get rid of them! I have one of those yellow sticky squares, and it keeps them pretty much under control. They do tend to be around the plants with the moister soil, like this one. I love this plant - it's the only flowering one I have been able to keep alive! Do you have any suggestions? I really appreciate your time - I'm sure you get lots of emails.
Thank you.
AnswerHi Carmella,
Thanks for the photo and detailed information. You are keeping your Gloxinias too wet. The leaf spots and presence of fungus gnats are pretty good indicators of that.
The gnat larvae were probably introduced with the fresh potting mix that you used when you repotted. The gnat larvae live in the soil where they feed on decaying organic matter (wet soil and rotting roots). When they mature they develop wings and fly about. The yellow sticky traps will catch the adults, but don't stop future generations - the larvae in the soil.
I suggest that you scrape off the top layer of soil and discard it. This is where most of the gnat larvae are. Then allow the top half-inch of soil to dry completely between waterings. This drying out will not only help deter the larvae, but it will also help the roots recover from being kept too moist.
If the gnats persist, you can sprinkle a thin layer of river sand over the soil surface. The sand particles will carve up the larvae as they move about. You can also place potato slices on the soil surface. The larvae will be attracted to the slices. Replace the slices daily. Eventually, the potato slices will attract all of the larvae and you will see fewer and fewer larvae on the slices and in the soil.
But the key here is to allow the soil to dry out more in between waterings.
Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
