Gesneriaceae
Florist's Gloxinia: How to Grow and Care for Sinningia speciosa
Sinningia speciosa
Florist's Gloxinia thrives in bright indirect light, bottom watering every 7 days, and humidity of 50–70%. Keep temperatures between 18–24°C. After flowering, allow the plant to go dormant by reducing watering. Repot annually in acidic, well-draining soil. Fertilize every 2 weeks while actively growing.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
18° - 24°C
50% - 70%
Categories
What is Florist's Gloxinia?
Florist's Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) is a medium-care plant from the Gesneriaceae family. Sinningia speciosa, commonly known as Florist's Gloxinia or Brazilian Gloxinia, is a tuberous perennial native to the rocky slopes and forests of Brazil, in the family Gesneriaceae. It is celebrated for its large, velvety, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple, violet, red, white, and pink. It...
Florist's Gloxinia grows up to 30cm, with spread of 25cm, watering every 7 days, 18°C – 24°C, 50–70% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Care Guide
How to Water
Always water from the bottom: place the pot in a tray of water for 30 minutes, then drain. Never let water touch the velvety leaves or flowers — it causes brown spots and fungal issues. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Cut back significantly during dormancy.
Lighting
Place in bright, indirect light near an east or west-facing window. Avoid direct sunlight, which will scorch the delicate velvety leaves. Rotate the pot every 7 days to ensure even growth on all sides. Supplement with full-spectrum grow lights in low-light conditions.
Ideal Soil
Use a well-draining, slightly acidic mix (pH 5.5–6.5) such as African violet potting mix (peat + perlite). Avoid heavy soils that retain too much moisture, which can lead to tuber rot. Repot each spring in fresh soil.
Recommended Pot
Use plastic or ceramic pots with drainage holes. Keeping the plant slightly pot-bound encourages blooming. Choose shallow pots since the tubers are not deep-rooted.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 14 days
Rotate
Every 7 days
Repot
Every 365 days
About Florist's Gloxinia
Sinningia speciosa, commonly known as Florist's Gloxinia or Brazilian Gloxinia, is a tuberous perennial native to the rocky slopes and forests of Brazil, in the family Gesneriaceae. It is celebrated for its large, velvety, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple, violet, red, white, and pink. It blooms in spring and summer, then enters a dormancy period before returning the following season.
How to Propagate
Leaf Cutting
Use healthy, mature leaves — avoid old or damaged ones. Maintain consistent humidity without waterlogging the mix.
- 1 Cut a healthy, mature leaf with its petiole intact
- 2 Insert the petiole into moist propagating mix (peat and perlite)
- 3 Cover with a clear plastic bag or dome to retain humidity
- 4 Place in a bright spot out of direct sun
- 5 After 4-6 weeks, small tubers will form at the base of the petiole
Materials needed:
Tuber Division
Divide in early spring when the first buds appear. Dust cut surfaces with powdered fungicide to prevent rot.
- 1 Remove the tuber from the soil at the end of dormancy
- 2 Use a sterile knife to divide, ensuring each piece has at least one growing eye
- 3 Allow cut surfaces to dry for 24 hours
- 4 Plant each division in fresh potting mix
- 5 Water sparingly until new shoots emerge
Materials needed:
Characteristics
Max height
30cm
Spread
25cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
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Common Problems
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a serious fungal disease that attacks the crown (base) of the plant where the stem meets the soil. It is caused by various fungal pathogens including Phytophthora, Fusarium, and Rhizoctonia. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions and can quickly spread to kill the entire plant if not addressed promptly.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Gray Mold (Botrytis Blight)
Gray mold, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea, is one of the most common fungal diseases in plants. It affects over 200 plant species, including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, and houseplants. The disease thrives in cool, humid conditions with poor air circulation, causing grayish spots and soft rot on infected tissues.
Meaning & Symbolism
A symbol of ephemeral beauty and admiration, Gloxinia represents love and affection in European and Brazilian cultures.
Fun Facts
Sinningia speciosa is native to the rocky slopes and Atlantic Forest of Brazil's Serra do Mar mountain range.
Each Gloxinia flower can last up to 6 weeks, and the plant can bloom for several months at a time.
Gloxinia was named after Swiss physician and botanist Benjamin Peter Gloxin (1765–1794).
After dormancy, the same tuber can produce flowers again for many years.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water my Gloxinia?
Is Gloxinia toxic to cats and dogs?
Why are my Gloxinia leaves getting brown spots?
What do I do when my Gloxinia stops blooming?
How do I increase humidity for my Gloxinia?
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| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | ⚠️ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Mandevilla | Medium | Bright indirect | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
