Gesneriaceae
Canterbury Bell (Gloxinia perennis): Complete Growing Guide
Gloxinia perennis
Grow in bright indirect light with rich, well-draining soil. Maintain high humidity (50–80%) and water every 5 days, always at soil level. Fertilize every 3 weeks during the growing season. Protect from temperatures below 18°C (65°F).
Every 5 days
Partial shade
18° - 27°C
50% - 80%
Categories
What is Canterbury Bell?
Canterbury Bell (Gloxinia perennis) is a medium-care plant from the Gesneriaceae family. Gloxinia perennis, commonly known as Canterbury Bell or Perennial Gloxinia, is a tropical rhizomatous herbaceous plant from the family Gesneriaceae, native to the Andes of South America. Unlike the Florist's Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa), this is the true Gloxinia — a robust, long-lived perennial. I...
Canterbury Bell grows up to 1.2m, with spread of 90cm, watering every 5 days, 18°C – 27°C, 50–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, Canterbury Bell is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 10 days.
How to Care for Canterbury Bell?
TLDR: Canterbury Bell needs Partial shade, watering every 5 days, and temperatures between 18-27°C with 50-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Canterbury Bell?
Water every 5 days at soil level, never overhead. The velvety leaves are prone to spotting and fungal issues if wet. Check the top inch of soil — water when it feels just barely dry.
How Much Light Does Canterbury Bell Need?
Place in bright indirect light near an east or west-facing window. Avoid direct afternoon sun which can scorch the velvety foliage and fade the lavender flowers.
What Is the Best Soil for Canterbury Bell?
Use a rich, well-draining organic potting mix such as African violet mix with a pH of 5.0–6.5. Good drainage is essential to prevent rhizome rot.
What Pot Should You Use for Canterbury Bell?
Terracotta or ceramic pot with drainage holes. Avoid glass or non-draining containers that retain excess moisture.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 21 days
Repot
Every 365 days
What Is Canterbury Bell and Where Does It Come From?
Gloxinia perennis, commonly known as Canterbury Bell or Perennial Gloxinia, is a tropical rhizomatous herbaceous plant from the family Gesneriaceae, native to the Andes of South America. Unlike the Florist's Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa), this is the true Gloxinia — a robust, long-lived perennial. It produces stunning tubular lavender-purple flowers with a distinctive mint fragrance, blooming from summer through fall.
How to Propagate Canterbury Bell?
Rhizome Division
Sterilize your knife before cutting to prevent disease transmission. Avoid overwatering immediately after division.
- 1 Carefully remove the plant from its pot in spring
- 2 Identify healthy rhizomes and divide with a clean sharp knife
- 3 Allow cut surfaces to dry for a few hours
- 4 Plant each division in moist, well-draining substrate
- 5 Keep in a warm location with bright indirect light
Materials needed:
Stem Cutting
Use stems at least 10 cm long. Change water every 3 days if propagating in water.
- 1 Cut a healthy stem with 2-3 leaves just below a node
- 2 Remove lower leaves
- 3 Apply rooting hormone to the cut end
- 4 Insert into moist substrate or water
- 5 Keep in a warm, humid environment until rooted
Materials needed:
How Big Does Canterbury Bell Grow?
TLDR: Canterbury Bell can reach up to 1.2m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.2m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Canterbury Bell?
TLDR: Canterbury Bell is susceptible to 8 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
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.
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.
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.
Pythium Root Rot
Pythium root rot is a serious fungal disease caused by various Pythium species including P. aphanidermatum, P. ultimum, and P. irregulare. These water molds are present in practically all cultivated soils and attack plant roots under wet conditions, causing rapid wet rot that can extend into the stem. The disease is favored by poor drainage, overwatering, and specific temperatures depending on the species.
Meaning & Symbolism
Symbol of glory and enduring beauty; associated with eternal love and sincere admiration.
Fun Facts
The flowers of Gloxinia perennis have a rare and delightful mint fragrance
This is the true Gloxinia — the Florist's Gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) was incorrectly named after this genus in the 19th century
Native to the Andes, it can grow up to 4 feet tall — much larger than its florist namesake
It spreads naturally by rhizomes, making it easy to propagate by division
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water Canterbury Bell?
Is Gloxinia perennis toxic to pets?
What is the difference between Gloxinia perennis and Sinningia speciosa?
Can Canterbury Bell grow indoors?
When does Gloxinia perennis bloom?
Compare with similar plants
| Attribute | Difficulty | Light | Watering | Pet Safe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flamingo Flower | Medium | Partial shade | 5d | ⚠️ |
| Prayer Plant | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Boston Fern | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ✓ |
| Weeping Fig | Medium | Partial shade | 10d | ⚠️ |
