Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - August 20, 2004
From: Delray Beach, FL
Region: Southeast
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Smarty Plants on Gloxinias
Answered by: Stephen Brueggerhoff
QUESTION:
How do I care for my newly acquired Gloxinias?ANSWER:
Plants known commonly as gloxinia (botanical name Sinningia speciosa) are native to tropical south America (Brazil). Their care is similiar to african violets; keep them in a warm place in your house in bright, but indirect light. Provide tepid water at the base of the plant as the foliage is susceptible to fungal pathogens, causing either "spotting" or rot. The plant is tuberous, needs ample water, yet will not tolerate a wet crown and may appear to die-back after flowering. After flowering, slowly dry off tubers and store them in a dark, well ventilated cool location (not to exceed 50 degrees F).
More Non-Natives Questions
Care of desert willows
September 10, 2007 - We have three desert willows. Two are doing well, but the third, which was planted at the same time as the others, is about 1/3 the size of the other two, the foliage is thin, and the leaves have dry...
view the full question and answer
Growing kudzu in Las Vegas NV
April 18, 2013 - Hi Mr. Smarty Plants,
I have a question about a known invasive species that I know you advise against, but I feel my situation may be different enough that it's worth asking about. Yes, I'm talk...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native Cleyera in Georgia
September 30, 2008 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I had a landscaper plant 4 Cleyera around my front porch. I have had them for about 9 years now and they are very hardy, each one being about 4 feet in width, 5 feet high ...
view the full question and answer
removing paper mulberry shoots from lawn
August 09, 2011 - Dear Mr./Ms. Smartypants,
I recently moved into an Austin home with the backyard taken over by paper mulberries. There were originally 2-3 large bush/trees, but now that I've removed them I realiz...
view the full question and answer
Invasive, non-native Bryophyllum spp. in Austin
May 13, 2010 - I was given two varieties of what I now believe are 'Mother of Millions' and saw that they're considered a noxious weed in Australia. Are these plants considered dangerous to TX if I keep them in ...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
