Gloxinias

The Florist's Gloxinia is a tuberous plant mainly derived from the Elegant Gloxinia, scientifically known as Sinningia speciosa, a beautiful South American plant whose large round and flattened tubers are offered for sale in spring among the summer bulbs.

A bit theatrical with its broad leaves and big bell-shaped flowers that seem to be woven with velvet, adored by our grandmothers, Gloxinia offers a range of astonishing and modern colours, ranging from white to pink to mauve and red, solid, bordered with white or speckled, refreshing this easy-to-grow indoor plant. The beautiful green and velvety foliage forms a rosette about 40cm (16in) in diameter, serving as a backdrop to large campanulate flowers that are well displayed. They continue to bloom throughout the summer, even into early autumn.

Gloxinia is easily cultivated in pots indoors, in good horticultural soil kept slightly moist, avoiding exposure to the rays of the summer sun. The ideal temperature is between 21 and 25°C. At the end of the season, the tubers should be stored in a dry place with little heating, between 12 and 15°C.