Gloxinia

Gloxinia is a name historically used for a small genus in the plant family Gesneriaceae. The genus was named in honor of the German botanist Benjamin Peter von Gloxin. In modern taxonomy, many species once placed in Gloxinia have been reassigned to Sinningia, and the plant most commonly sold as “gloxinia” in cultivation is Sinningia speciosa, formerly Gloxinia speciosa. In horticulture, the term gloxinia often refers to florist’s gloxinia, a tuberous perennial prized for its large velvety flowers.

Florist’s gloxinia features hairy, often rounded leaves and fleshy roots or a tuber. The defining ornamental trait is the showy, tubular, five-lobed flowers that arise in terminal clusters. Colors range from white and pink to red, purple, and bi-color varieties. Plant form and flowering can vary with cultivar, but many forms are bred for dramatic blooms rather than leaf display.

Cultivation requires warm, bright conditions with indirect light and protection from harsh sun. They prefer temperatures generally between 60 and 75°F (15–24°C) and high humidity. The soil should be well draining and slightly acidic. Watering is frequent during the growing season, with a reduction during a natural or artificial rest period after flowering. Fertilization with a balanced, diluted fertilizer supports bloom when actively growing. Gloxinias are not frost-hardy and are typically grown as indoor or patio plants in temperate regions.

Propagation methods include separating offsets or tubers and, less commonly, growing from seeds. In horticulture, the name gloxinia commonly refers to florist’s gloxinia and its hybrids, which have formed a distinct cultivar group within Sinningia.