There are over 100 genera in the Gesneriaceae or Gesneriad family. Most are tropical plants, such as African violet and gloxinia, and are native to Africa, Asia and Central and South America. Approximately 300 species are cultivated, many as houseplants. All are excellent houseplants with showy flowers or foliage. A few of the most common cultivated species are listed below.
General growing conditions
Light
Most gesneriads typically grow and bloom well with moderate, indirect light. They are wonderful houseplants because they do not require high levels of direct light. In fact, many species perform beautifully under fluorescent lights left on for 12-16 hours per day. High light, especially in the summer, can quickly burn or scorch the leaves. Learn more about providing supplemental light for gesneriads in this article: Growing Indoor Plants Under Supplemental Lights.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures range from 60-80 F as this mimics air temperatures in their native environment. Air temperatures below 55°F may damage the leaves of some species. Cold water temperatures may also damage small roots, especially on African violet.
Watering
Plants should be watered with room-temperature water when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. While overwatering can lead to root rot, most gesneriads prefer consistently moist, organic soils. African violets are often watered from the base of the container. Placing the container in a shallow saucer full of water for an hour allows the water to soak up slowly into the soil. This watering technique keeps the leaves dry and prevents water spotting on the leaves. The saucer of water should be removed after an hour or two to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Gesneriads also prefer high humidity. Some species require it to grow successfully indoors. Raising the humidity with humidifiers, terrariums, or pebble trays is recommended, especially during the winter months.
Fertilizer
These species also benefit from regular fertilizer as many bloom almost continuously indoors. Low levels of soluble fertilizer once a month is usually sufficient for most species.
Common Gesneriads
| Common Name | Genus | Bloom Time | Bloom color | Habit | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic flower | Achimenes | Summer | Red, pink, yellow, purple, violet, white | Upright and spreading | Scaly rhizomes often planted outdoors or in containers |
| Goldfish plant | Columnea | Everblooming | Red, yellow, gold | Trailing or spreading | The tubular shaped flowers can resemble the outline of a goldfish |
| Flame violet | Episcia | Everblooming | Red, orange, white | Trailing | Less water in the winter; noted for foliage |
| Gloxinia | Sinningia | Winter – spring | Red, burgundy, pink, purple with white/yellow throat | Upright | Scaly rhizomes |
| Cape Primrose | Streptocarpus | Everblooming | Blue, pink, lavender, white | Rosette | Keep moist |
| Streptocarpella | Streptocarpella | Everblooming | Blue, purple, lavender | Rosette or spreading | sometimes considered a type of Streptocarpus |
| African Violet | Saintpaulia | Everblooming | Purple, blue, pink, white, bicolor, lavender | Rosette or spreading | Variegated leaf types; avoid cold water on leaves |
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