Due to their lush flowering and bright appearance gloxinia is loved and in demand in indoor floriculture. On one small plant, with proper care, about 10-15 goblet-shaped flowers can bloom at the same time. Many varieties and hybrids have been bred that are striking in their unusual, amazing color. Any grower seeks to get something new, and buying is not always possible, and this is where the question arises of how to reproduce gloxinia at home. We learn all the possible ways and technologies.
Plant description
The second name for gloxinia is hybrid sinningia. A perennial tuber plant was brought to Europe from the tropical forests of South America (from Brazil to Mexico). It received its name in honor of B.P. Gloxin - a botanist and a doctor. In the natural environment, syningia prefers to grow on rocky surfaces, near rivers, shady and moist corners of the forest. The plant is sensitive to lighting and has a pronounced period of winter dormancy, which must be observed when kept indoors.
Modern hybrid varieties are conventionally divided into four groups depending on the size of the bush: microminiature (height less than 5 cm) and miniature (5-12 cm), compact (12-25 cm) and standard (more than 25 cm). Three methods of reproduction are characteristic of gloxinia.
Sowing seeds
This is a fascinating process, because before your eyes a tiny flowering plant can grow from a tiny seed in 5-6 months, however, you will have to make an effort and spend time. The best time for sowing is February-March, when there is an extended daylight hours. For those who have special lamps, the planting season lasts all year. In this way you can get the rarest varietal gloxinia. Leaf propagation limits this possibility.
Prepare a nourishing, lightweight substrate and a small plastic container for gloxinia. Ideally, it should be closed (such as packaging from a cake). In such dishes, greenhouse conditions for seedlings will be created. At the bottom, several drainage holes should be made.
Procedure
- With an even layer of 3-4 cm, pour soil into the container and moisten with a light solution of potassium permanganate from the spray gun.
- Spread the seeds evenly over the surface with tweezers. Then lightly spray the surface again and close the container with a lid. The temperature should be maintained at a level of 18 ° C. Ventilate seedlings periodically (once every two days) to prevent mold on the surface.
- The first sprouts appear, as a rule, in two weeks. From this moment on, the greenhouse should be aired daily, removing condensate.
- As soon as the first pair of true leaves appears, dive gloxinia. Reproduction by a leaf proceeds rather quickly subject to all conditions and rules.
Tuber division
This method is quite troublesome, because in case of failure you can lose the whole plant completely. It’s worth starting dividing the tuber only when numerous growing shoots have become noticeable on it, as a rule, this is only observed in large old specimens. With a clean sterile knife, the root must be cut into several parts. Their number corresponds to the number of strong shoots. Dry the slices during the day and sprinkle with coal powder.
In the prepared soil mixture, the tubers are buried only by 2/3 to prevent decay of the growth point. After the shoots grow back, they fill the ground to the desired level. The main condition for further development is proper watering (best through a tray or gently dropwise from above) and a place in the house without direct sunlight.
If you suddenly noticed that the tuber began to rot, then immediately remove it from the ground, cut off the damaged part and repeat the whole procedure again.
Gloxinia: propagation by leafy cuttings
Most hybrids are characterized by the presence of impressive succulent leaves, which are just perfect for vegetative propagation. This is especially suitable for those who want to have several specimens of a certain type or when it is not possible to buy the gloxinia they like. Leaf propagation is carried out in the summer or early fall. Its size does not matter. Large sheets can be divided into several parts, each of which subsequently gives a new plant, and root the small ones whole.
In addition, for vegetative propagation, individual shoots from an awakened tuber are suitable. For abundant flowering and good growth, it is recommended to leave only one shoot on the mother plant, the rest should be removed and used to obtain a new gloxinia bush.
How to root?
Experts do not recommend using the water method, it is likely to rot. Root the leaves immediately in the substrate. It should be light, well permeable to air and moisture, it is best to buy in the store a special primer for gloxinia. Leaf propagation also requires greenhouse conditions, this ensures the maximum likelihood of roots. As a rule, this procedure takes about a month. Then you need to open the greenhouse and gradually accustom young plants to the conditions of the room. After 2-3 months, children can go from the root, when they give 2-3 leaves, the main stalk can be cut to a height of 1 cm from the ground.
If the young shoot does not go from the tuber, you should not be upset, which means that the plant is at rest. This happens if the propagation of gloxinia by leaf occurs in the fall before winter. In this case, it is worthwhile to reduce watering and remove the pot in a cool and dark place.
Rooting leaf rot
The most common problem with the vegetative propagation of gloxinia. If this applies to one or two copies, then perhaps a coincidence. But in the case of systematicity, it is worth paying attention to the reasons:
- damage to the base of the petiole, this can happen if during planting you put too much pressure on the leaf;
- direct sunlight, it is best to keep pots with petioles where there is diffused light, and partial shade is also destructive for them;
- the reproduction of gloxinia with a leaf involves sterile instruments for cutting it off and in no case breaking off;
- unfavorable time for rooting, it is most optimal to do this in spring or early summer;
- too old sheet, try to take young medium-sized plates.
Rooted leaf wilt
Another nuisance that can happen during reproduction. She is not so scary, her reasons can be easily eliminated. Leaf wilting may occur due to:
- direct sunlight falling on it (exit - rearrange in place with diffused light);
- non-use of greenhouses, and at the initial stage a small greenhouse is simply necessary, since it will provide the necessary level of heat and moisture, create a special microclimate;
- waterlogging of the soil;
- damage during the transplantation of the roots that the leaf has launched, the process requires care and accuracy;
- too large sheet, it is best to cut it into 2/3.
Among flowering houseplants, gloxinia occupies an honorable place. Description, reproduction, care, planting - all these issues discussed in this article will allow you to create your own home garden, filled with bright colors. The plant only seems capricious, in fact, the growth of gloxinia is an uncomplicated and exciting activity that brings amazing results that delight the eye and warm the soul.