Does anyone know anything about a "gloxenia" plant. My grandmother gave it to me and I want to keep it going.

Question

I have had it outside in a pot for the summer. Now I want to bring it in. Can I do this succesfully?

Answer 1

Hope this helps !



Gloxinias


Florist gloxinias, once available only in late spring or early summer, are now available almost all year long. These African violet cousins are really Sinningia speciosa, though we all know them better by their old-fashioned name. The blooms are huge and deep throated, held in small clusters above large, dark green, deeply textured leaves. A gloxinia makes a spectacular gift, so that is often how we get our first one. If no one favors you with such a gift, you can buy your own or get a tuber and start one from among the tender bulbs Bachman's sells in the spring. Several named varieties are available. Its requirements are easily provided and a bulb can be re-bloomed a time or two before it loses its vigor and needs be replaced. Whether you start with a bulb or a gorgeous blooming plant, gloxinias are fun, easy and rewarding.

Tips for Growing Healthy Gloxinias
How do I plant a gloxinia tuber?
Be sure the tuber is not buried deeply. The top should be at the surface of the soil. When you are starting a new tuber, it may be hard to tell which is the top. Usually it is the slightly dished side, but the tubers are variable and sometimes the growing points appear to be on the side. Look for a tiny group of buds or growing points, sometimes with old roots growing from the same area. When in doubt, plant the tuber on its side and nature will help the plant figure out which way is up.
What are the light requirements for gloxinias ?
They need high light, but should not be placed in direct sun. Artificial lights should be used to supplement available natural light if the area isn't brightly lighted.

How much water do they need?
They should be watered 1 by filling the saucer with water and, after an hour or so, pouring out the excess. The soil should be allowed to get slightly dry before watering again. Always use tepid or room temperature water. If possible, avoid watering the crown of the plant directly (that might encourage rot).

Do they have any special temperature requirements?
Gloxinias like the same temperatures that you do. While in bloom keep them a bit cooler, under 70º, if possible. Their night time temperature should not go below 60º. When the plant has gone dormant, it can be stored between 40º and 50º.

Do gloxinias need much humidity?
They like high humidity, but the blossoms will be disfigured by spraying them with water, so provide the humidity with a humidifier or by standing the pot on a humidity tray rather than misting them.

How much fertilizer do they require?
Gloxinias should be fed weekly with a general houseplant fertilizer or bloom booster while they are in bloom. Use a water-soluble fertilizer such as Bachman's Excel Gro or Schultz's Instant Plant Food. As soon as the gloxinia stops blooming regularly, stop fertilizing.

What type of soil do they prefer?
An African violet soil is best for gloxinias. It is important that the soil be lightweight and well-drained.

When should I repot my gloxinia?
Repot them in spring when the new growth starts.

Will they need any grooming?
Gloxinias need only to have dead blooms removed. They cannot tolerate leafshine products - the leaves and blooms will be damaged by them. Those large leaves are very brittle and easily damaged so handle them carefully.

How are they propagated?
Gloxinias are propagated by leaf cuttings as you would an African violet.

Troubleshooting Problems with Gloxinias
My gloxinia has quit blooming. What should I do?
It could be that there is too little light or it is too cold or dry. If none of these apply, maybe it has finished its six- to eight-week bloom season. If that could be the case, just slowly reduce the water. The leaves will yellow and dry as the plant goes dormant. Store it in its pot in a dry place that doesn't go below 40º. When new growth begins in a few months, resume watering and place it back in its bright spot to bloom again. When the bloom crop becomes small and sparse, replace it with a vigorous new plant or bulb.
Why do the leaves and buds rot?
It may be too wet. Gloxinias are susceptible to crown rot which is often caused by wet, soggy soil. This can also be the result of using cold water.

Why are the leaves cracked or split?
Gloxinia leaves are very brittle, and since they are so large, it's easy for them to be damaged by careless handling.

What causes some of the leaves to be distorted?
If the leaves are also sticky, look for sucking insects such as aphids. They can be treated by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap. See Bachman's information sheet Indoor Insect and Disease Problems.

Some of the flowers are marked and stained. What caused it?
This is usually the result of spray damage. The blooms cannot stand to be misted even with water, especially cold water.

What caused the brown spots on the leaves?
Brown spots on the leaves could be the result of using leafshine products. Gloxinias are damaged by them.

Answer 2

You can, but give it all the light you can and don't forget to water.
Better, if you can, leave it outside unless you know it's going to freeze, then
bring it inside.