Bitterroot Restoration

Gloxinias are lovely houseplants with large leaves and colorful flowers. The large bell shaped flowers of Gloxinias come in varying shades of blues, pinks and purples. They're generally started from tubers-the short, thickened portion of an underground stem that measures one-and-a-half inches in diameter.

Gloxinias grow best in a soil mixture of 50-percent organic matter, such as peat moss, which is available at most Garden centers and nurseries. Most commercial potting soils are satisfactory, but if you prefer, you can blend your own using one part peat moss, one part compost, and one part perlite or vermiculite.

Indoors place your new Gloxinia in bright indirect lighting. Full sun may burn the slightly furry leaves. Water when the soil has dried 1/2" to 1" from the surface. Avoid splashing water on the leaves as this may cause spotting. Indoors feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Remove spent Gloxinia flowers as they appear. Once leaves emerge, fertilize your gloxinia with a liquid fertilizer, and be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Fertilize older plants every three to four weeks during the active growth period.