Cultivation and propagation methods of Gloxinia flowers

The flowers of Gloxinia have a velvety touch and color, as if they were works of art that walked out of a painting, and their beauty gives people a surreal feeling. The flowering period of Gloxinia lasts from spring to autumn, and it blooms almost throughout the warm season, providing flower lovers with a long period of flower-viewing pleasure. Let’s learn about the cultivation and reproduction methods of Gloxinia flowers.

1. Breeding methods

1. Choose the right flower pot and soil

The root system of Gloxinia is fibrous and has tuberous roots, and is not resistant to water and moisture. Therefore, when planting, you should choose a shallow pot with good air permeability and avoid using a deep pot to reduce the risk of root rot. The potting soil should be loose and breathable. It is recommended to use a mixture of equal proportions of peat soil, leaf mold and perlite .

2. Proper fertilizer and water management

Gloxinia likes fertilizer, but its root system is slender and cannot tolerate concentrated fertilizer. A thin liquid fertilizer should be applied once a week starting from spring germination. After the flower buds are formed, Huaduoduo No. 2 or potassium dihydrogen phosphate fertilizer can be applied once a week to promote continuous opening of flowers. At the same time, watering should follow the principle of "water thoroughly when dry" to avoid waterlogging and stem rot.

3. Correct watering method

Since the leaves of Gloxinia are hairy, water should be poured directly into the potting soil to avoid getting the leaves wet to prevent leaf rot. It is not advisable to spray water or fertilizer on the leaves.

4. Appropriate lighting

Gloxinia is not tolerant to strong light. It can be given sufficient light in spring, autumn and winter. It should be placed in semi-shade in summer to avoid sunburn of the leaves.

5. Prune the dead flowers in time

To avoid consuming nutrients due to fruiting, the remaining flowers should be pruned in time after they wither. Proper pruning can promote branching and re-flowering.

6. Maintain a suitable temperature

Gloxinia will go dormant when the temperature is below 5℃, so it needs to be kept warm and watering should be controlled in winter. When the temperature exceeds 30℃ in summer, Gloxinia may become semi-dormant and should be shaded and maintained in an indoor air-conditioned environment to keep the plant active.

2. Breeding Methods

1. Leaf cutting propagation

Leaf cuttings of Gloxinia can be carried out in non-winter conditions, and can also be carried out in winter in warm indoor conditions in the north. The leaves can be used as a whole piece, or cut into small segments with veins for cuttings to increase the success rate of reproduction.

Suitable media include river sand, vermiculite, peat soil and perlite mixture, etc., which need to be disinfected in advance and kept moist. After the leaves are slightly dried, they can be directly planted in cuttings, or dipped in a little rooting powder to accelerate rooting. After cuttings, cover with plastic wrap to keep moist, and place in a cool and ventilated place. They will take root in about two weeks.

2. Seed propagation

The seeds of Gloxinia need to be obtained through artificial pollination. Use a small brush or cotton swab for pollination and perform multiple operations to increase the success rate. The seeds can be soaked before sowing to speed up germination. The sowing medium should be fine, using a mixture of peat soil and fine river sand, and then sterilized.

3. Propagation by tuber cutting

For those who are experienced, tuber cutting is an efficient method of propagation. It should be noted that each piece should be attached with a root plate when cutting, and the wound should be dried in a cool place before planting. Choose a medium with good air permeability and drainage, such as a mixture of peat soil and perlite. When planting, face the buds upwards and bury them shallowly to facilitate photosynthesis. After cutting or planting, place the plant in a cool and ventilated place, gradually increase the light to promote the growth of new tubers.

Beginners should not rush to transplant after cuttings. They should wait until the seedlings grow to a certain size to ensure the survival rate. Avoid spraying the leaves of the cuttings to prevent rot.

The above is an introduction to the cultivation and reproduction methods of Gloxinia. If you have Gloxinia at home, you can learn more about it.