Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.

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
Alternatives to non-native, invasive Pampa grass
August 11, 2006 - Could you please tell me if Cortaderia Selloana is "zone 4" hardy? Also how to start Opuntia Humifusa from cuttings? Do I let them stand upright dry and with no soil until they form the callous? Ple...
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native mandevilla in Southport NC
July 11, 2009 - I have planted a mandevilla and the leaves look healthy. It produces buds, but something is cutting them off. Right next to it is a mandevilla that is blooming profusely. Any ideas?
view the full question and answer
Care for non-native, invasive Bauhinia variegata
March 03, 2006 - I live in Fellsmere just south of Melbourne and we have about 5 orchid trees on our property; one is fairly tall, about 20 ft, and the others are about 6 ft tall. My smaller ones have several air p...
view the full question and answer
Sprout from a non-native sago palm in Poinciana FL
October 16, 2013 - I have two mature (10 years old)sago palms. One of them sprouted a new "head' at the top of the trunk. It is competing with the original one. It is not a pup coming from the root area. Can I cut it ...
view the full question and answer
Pictures of Bastard Cabbage from Dallas TX
April 07, 2012 - HI! Re your March 12 posting:
The USDA Plants website pictures two very different looking plants identified as Rapistrum rugosum (bastardcabbage). Would you please post a photo with leaf and bloom ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |