Native Plants

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Thursday - October 01, 2015

From: Arlington , TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Diseases and Disorders
Title: Florist Gloxinia Care
Answered by: Anne Van Nest

QUESTION:

Got a florist gloxinia and it was doing great for months. Went on vacation and returned; it was wilted. Think son watered it too much. Allowed it to dry. It has some new leaves forming on the very leggy stems now. I removed wilted green leaves and repotted, but I am now wondering if I should have cut stems off. Please advise. Thank you.

ANSWER:

Florist Gloxinias are outside the scope of Mr. Smarty Plants as we promote and answer questions on native plants, but having grown non-native indoor plants such as this plant, here's some advice.

Florist Gloxinias grow from an underground tuber and perhaps now is a great time to let the plant rest. This plant needs a period of dormancy to prepare it for blooming again. It will naturally start to decline (leaves yellow and growth stop) later in October/November. So reduce watering and cut off the stems and leaves. Put the plant in an area about 55 degrees F and let it rest. Check on the plant about every 3-4 weeks to see if any new growth as started. Once new leaves start to form, move it back to a warmer and brighter location and start watering it regularly. You can also repot it once new growth starts if needed.