The glorious Gloxinia hybrids developed by Albert H. Buell of Eastford, Connecticut, were largely responsible for the gloxinia’s rise in popularity. The Buell strain was characterized by larger blooms in a far more extensive color range than was previously available from the Belgian or German imported tubers.
As house plants gloxinias (an African Violet relative) are ideal needing only a sunny location and a reasonable amount of care to do well. For early spring bloom indoors they have few equals.
Large blossoms and ruffled petals are typical of the Buell hybrid gloxinias. The flowers from one series came in shades of red with interesting patterns of speckling. This was an outstanding group and a favorite with greenhouse visitors.
Purples vie with reds for popularity in gloxinias. Seven and eight petals was typical in the Buell hybrids.
Leaf cutting after one month in rooting media (vermiculite and peat) will begin to show tuber formation. The rooted leaf may now be potted in soil with tuber set about 2 inches deep. It may be several months to a year before a new plant will appear and often the original leaf will die before this time. As gloxinia tubers do not multiply, this is often the only way to obtain more tubers of a variety.
Gloxinias produce seed readily when hand pollinated. With a toothpick, transfer dust-like pollen from anthers to the sticky stigma of the pistil. Like angel trumpet plant, flower should be open several days before the transfer is made. Seed can be sown when pod ripens in 60 days.
Plant tubers in a 5-inch pot with 1/2 inch of a fibrous soil over top. Bottom of tuber is smooth; upper surface has a slight depression with stub or scar of old stem. Roots form on both upper and lower surfaces. Sprouting time may vary and often ranges from a few weeks to several months.