Named for Wilhelm Sinning (1792-1874), a horticulturalist and botanist at the University of Bonn, this African violet family (Gesneriaceae) genus is made up of about 40 species of tuberous perennials and small shrubs distributed from Mexico to Argentina. The commonly cultivated species are perennials with large lance- to heart-shaped leaves made velvety by a dense covering of fine hairs. The well-known florist's gloxinia (Sinningia speciosa) has large, upward-facing, bell-shaped flowers, although other species have tubular flowers and are sometimes scented. Their vivid showy flowers make the plants ideal for the house or green-house, as well as being lovely summer annuals or year-round plants in subtropical to tropical areas.
CULTIVATION
They prefer warm humid conditions with a bright but not overly sunny exposure. The soil should be well-drained, moist, and humus-rich. Propagate by lifting and dividing after the foliage has died back, from seed, or by leaf-petiole cuttings. The tubers may be stored dry.
Top Tip
As indoor pot plants, Sinningia species will benefit from half-strength high-potash fertilizer applied every few weeks during the growing season.
CULTIVATION
They prefer warm humid conditions with a bright but not overly sunny exposure. The soil should be well-drained, moist, and humus-rich. Propagate by lifting and dividing after the foliage has died back, from seed, or by leaf-petiole cuttings. The tubers may be stored dry.
Top Tip
As indoor pot plants, Sinningia species will benefit from half-strength high-potash fertilizer applied every few weeks during the growing season.
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