Sinningia

These frost-tender perennials, commonly known as Gloxinia, are natives of Brazil. S. 'Red Flicker' grows up to a foot high and has basal rosettes of large, oval, bluish green leaves. The large, fleshy, tubular, pinkish-red flowers are produced on short stems, in the summer. S. 'Switzerland' is a beautiful plant with large, velvety dark green leaves. The flowers are scarlet with ruffled, white-edged petals.

Pot Cultivation

Gloxinias need a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. In cool climates, grow as house or greenhouse plants in moist, peaty soil or potting mix. They should be set in a sunny location with a humid atmosphere and be given plenty of water. Dried tubers should be overwintered in frost-free conditions.

Propagation

These plants may be divided, or stem cuttings may be taken in late spring or summer. Mature leaves may also be used to increase your plants in the summer. They are taken off the plant and notches are cut just below the junction of the main veins on the undersides. They are then laid on peat moss and sand or leaf mold and anchored with pebbles. Seeds may also be sown in equal parts of peat, leaf mold and sand. The container of soil should be immersed in a pail of water and allowed to drain before thinly sprinkling the seeds on top. Fine sand is used to slightly cover them.