Florist gloxinia with its velvety textured flowers is a colorful plant for the indoors during winter. Photo courtesy University of Georgia

Indoor bloomers provide color when it's gray outside

Date published: 1/12/2007

R ECENT WEATHER teased us with spring tempera- tures, tricking some plants into producing a flower or two. But there are sure to be cold days ahead when some indoor color will be appreciated.

At those times it's nice to have blooming plants indoors. Consider a florist gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa ) or Cape primrose (Streptocarpus ) to bring a little spring color to the indoors.

These plants are members of the gesneriad family, pronounced either "guess-NIR-ee-ad" or "jez-NIR-ee-ad" according to the Gesneriad Society. With more than 2,500 species, this family also includes the popular African violet, lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus ), goldfish plant (Nematanthus ), flame violet (Episcia ), and Cupid's bower (Achimenes ).

Gesneriads vary greatly in plant size, shape, and flower type but a common characteristic is colorful flowers. It's because of their long-lasting colorful flowers that they can brighten up the indoors on a winter day.

Gesneriads are from tropical and subtropical regions of the world so their temperature requirements are similar to our indoor temperatures. In their native settings, they are found growing in humus-filled depressions or rock crevices, on humus-covered forest floors or on tree branches. They prefer nighttime temperatures in the 60s, and daytime temperatures in the 70s.

Like most other tropical plants, gesneriads like high humidity and require it to perform well. They prefer a 50 percent or more humidity level. Adjustments can be made indoors to help increase the humidity like setting the pot on a tray of wet pebbles or using a humidifier. Many of them make great terrarium plants because of the humidity needs. Definitely keep them out of drafts and away from heat vents.

REGINA PRUNTY is an agent in Virginia Cooperative Extension's King George office, specializing in commercial horticulture. The office is at 10087 Kings Highway in King George. Contact her by phone at 540/775-3062 or by e-mail at rprunty@vt.edu.

Date published: 1/12/2007