Question
gloxinia
Just purchased two days ago
6 inch pot. Presumed in first bloom. One blossom and twenty buds to go.  Plant about 14 inches high and 18 inches across. Big leaves. Some around 10 inches long.
How do I keep it going:  light requirements & water? Have some choices for it.
Any fertilizing?
Some leaves after two days are getting some holes and splitting off at the ends. All leaves perfect at time of purchase. Did I do something wrong? Thank you.

Answer
Mary,

Gloxinias are very similar to African violets in the way you need to care for them. They may be available in florist shops year-round. Bright, indirect light such as light near an east window or a large north window is necessary to keep the plant in flower. Gloxinias typically flower over two to four weeks. Individual blooms last four to six days.

Fertilize with a flowering houseplant fertilizer every two weeks, and keep in bright, but indirect light, in a warm location (70 F+) free of drafts.

Let the surface of the soil get dry before you water it. Don't keep it wet all of the time. Give it as much light as you can, but avoid direct afternoon sun. (No south or west windows.)

Unlike African violets, gloxinias need to rest before reflowering. They grow from a tuber (similar to a bulb. When the leaves start to die back, start cutting back on the water till the plant is totally dry and appears dead. Allow the tuber to rest three to four months in dry soil in a brown paper bag in the back of a cool closet or in the coolest area in the basement. Store at about 50 F. repot in fresh humus/compost potting soil next spring.


To get the plant to reflower (although it's can be touchy), after three  to four months of rest repot the tuber in new  fresh humus/compost potting soil and put it back in storage but check it weekly for signs of new growth. Be patient and when new growth appears resume watering.

You can also share it by growing more from leaf cuttings. (Like with African violets.)

If you have more questions write again.  Good luck.

Darlene