Gloxinia Flower Bulbs Caring and Growing
Here's a step-by-step guide for planting and caring for gloxinia bulbs:
1. Choosing the Right Bulbs
- Select healthy bulbs that are firm, free from mold, and without soft spots.
- Ensure the bulbs are dormant but not dried out.
2. Preparing the Soil
- Use a well-draining, rich potting mix. A mix for African violets works well.
- Add a bit of perlite or coarse sand for additional drainage.
- The soil pH should be slightly acidic, around 6.0–6.5.
3. Choosing a Pot
- Use a pot with good drainage holes.
- A pot that is 6–8 inches in diameter is usually sufficient for one bulb.
4. Planting the Bulb
- Plant the bulb with the concave (hollow) side up.
- Cover the bulb with 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil.
- Leave the top slightly exposed if the bulb is large.
5. Watering
- Water the soil lightly after planting to keep it evenly moist but not soggy.
- Avoid watering directly on the bulb to prevent rot.
- Use room-temperature water.
6. Light Requirements
- Place the pot in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- If growing indoors, east or west-facing windows work well.
7. Temperature and Humidity
- Maintain a temperature of 65–75°F (18–24°C).
- Gloxinias prefer high humidity. Use a humidity tray or mist the air around the plant (not the leaves).
8. Fertilizing
- Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2 weeks during active growth.
- Avoid over-fertilizing, which can damage the plant.
9. Caring for the Plant
- Once shoots appear, water more regularly but still avoid waterlogging.
- Pinch off spent blooms to encourage new flowers.
- Stop fertilizing after the plant finishes flowering.
10. After Blooming (Dormancy Period)
- Gloxinias go dormant after flowering.
- Reduce watering gradually until the foliage dies back.
- Store the pot in a cool, dry place (50–60°F / 10–15°C).
- Repot the bulb in fresh soil and restart the growth cycle in early spring.
