In the 19th century, thanks to the efforts of the German gardener Sinning, such a flower as gloxinia appeared. In nature, there are quite a few species of this flower, some of them grow in Brazil. It is believed that it was the Brazilian ancestors of gloxinia that became the examples of modern hybrids used for the garden.
Planting gloxinia
For growing a plant, it is best to take large diameter plastic or clay pots. The pot must be dry so that the roots of the tubers do not rot.
Taking care of gloxinia at home is quite simple. Care begins with planting the bulbs. Gloxinia is stored in a pot throughout the resting period, about 2 months.
For planting, a universal soil containing humus and peat is suitable. The main requirement for the soil is its water permeability and air permeability.
Watering gloxinia
You need to water the plant in the pan, but you can water it from above, only evenly. Watering should be done when the topsoil dries up a little. Watering is rare, not abundant, and depends on the size of gloxinia: a young plant should be watered 2-4 times a week, and an adult - 1-3 times a week. It is better to settle the water for irrigation or pass it through a charcoal filter.
Place for gloxinia
The flowering and growth rate of the plant will depend on the correctly chosen place. Sunlight affects the size, saturation, and formation of buds.
The best place is to have diffused sunlight out of direct sunlight, as gloxinia can get burned. In this case, the light should be bright. Remember that a brightly lit place is also not suitable for keeping gloxinia, as the plant will grow and develop very slowly. In winter, it is better to use artificial lighting.
In the event that you are going to put gloxinia on a window or balcony, then opt for the eastern side.
Gloxinia diseases and pests
The most common pests are powdery mildew, rot and late blight. If the flower is affected by these pests, then you can use the foundation.
Signs of mite infestation are diseased leaves, falling flowers, and brown shoots. Treat with phytoverm or other anti-mite agent. This should be done 3 times within 2 weeks.
