Growing and Caring for Indoor Gesneriads
Do you want to add some vibrant colors and life to your indoor space? Look no further than Gesneriads! These easy-to-grow plants are great for indoor gardening and can thrive in low-light conditions.
In this article, you will learn how to care for and grow indoor Gesneriads, including lighting and placement, temperature and humidity, potting mix and watering, and fertilization. We will also introduce you to different types of Gesneriads and the benefits of growing these versatile houseplants.
Lighting and Placement
Gesneriads are native to tropical regions and are adapted to growing under indirect light. They can also be grown under artificial light, such as grow lights.
When using artificial light, the distance between the light source and the plants should be 10-12 inches. If the light is too close to the plant, the leaves may turn yellow or brown.
In contrast, if the light is too far, the plant may not receive enough light, causing the leaves to elongate or bend towards the light.
Temperature and Humidity
Gesneriads prefer an indoor temperature range of 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit. They also thrive in a humid environment, preferably around 50%.
You can increase humidity by placing a tray of wet pebbles under the plant’s pot or by using a humidifier. Avoid placing your Gesneriads near cold drafts, such as open windows, as they are sensitive to temperature changes.
Potting Mix and Watering
When potting your Gesneriads, use an African violet soil mix that includes perlite for better drainage. The soil should be moist but not wet.
In general, it is better to let the soil dry out slightly before watering. Water your plants with tepid water, and avoid using hard water, as it can cause leaf burn.
Water the plants from the bottom up, using a saucer or tray to hold the water, rather than watering from the top. This will keep the leaves dry and prevent fungal or bacterial growth.
Fertilization
Gesneriads are heavy feeders and need regular fertilization during their active growing season to maintain healthy growth and profuse flowering. You can use a balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20, or a specialized Gesneriad fertilizer, which has higher potassium and lower nitrogen content.
Fertilize your plants every two weeks during the growing season and reduce it to once a month during the dormant season.
Gesneriad Houseplants
Now that you know how to care for indoor Gesneriads, let’s explore the different types of Gesneriads and their benefits.to Gesneriads
The Gesneriad family includes hundreds of species, ranging from African violets to episcias, streptocarpus, and many more. They are named after Swiss botanist Conrad Gesner, who first classified them in the sixteenth century.
Gesneriads are known for their colorful and showy flowers and foliage, which make them a popular choice for indoor gardening.
Other Gesneriad Varieties
Streptocarpus: Also known as Cape Primrose, these plants are native to South Africa and come in many different forms and colors. They produce large groups of flowers that bloom from the center of the plant.
Episcia: These plants are native to tropical regions of Central and South America and are known for their colorful foliage. They prefer indirect or filtered light and thrive in a humid environment.
Gloxinia: These plants are named after the Austrian botanist Benjamin Peter Gloxin and come in a range of colors, from simple pink and red to stunning bicolor blooms. They need bright indirect light and a moist soil mix.
Lipstick Plant: These small, trailing plants get their name from their red, tubular flowers that resemble a lipstick tube. They grow best in a warm, humid environment and require more water than the typical Gesneriad.
Goldfish Plant: Named for its unique orange blooms that resemble goldfish, these plants are native to Central and South America and prefer indirect light and a well-draining soil mix.
Gift-giving
Gesneriads make wonderful gifts for plant enthusiasts or anyone looking to add some color and life to their indoor space. They are easy to care for and come in a wide range of colors and varieties.
Benefits of Gesneriads
Gesneriads are a versatile houseplant that thrives and flowers indoors. They are also adaptable to low light levels and can bloom year-round.
In addition, they are relatively easy to care for and can be propagated easily from leaf cuttings. In conclusion, Gesneriads are a beautiful and easy-to-care-for houseplant that can thrive indoors with proper care and attention.
Whether you prefer African violets, streptocarpus, or episcias, there is a Gesneriad variety for everyone. Give them a try and brighten up your indoor space with these stunning and vibrant plants.
In summary, Gesneriads are a versatile and beautiful houseplant that can thrive indoors with proper care and attention. To ensure they grow and flower successfully, make sure they receive indirect or artificial light, keep them in a warm and humid space, use African violet soil mix, water them from the bottom up with tepid water, and fertilize them regularly during the growing season.
With a wide range of colors and species available, these plants are a wonderful and low-maintenance addition to any indoor space. FAQs:
1.
What kind of light do Gesneriads need?
Gesneriads prefer indirect or artificial light and should be kept at a distance of 10-12 inches between the light source and the plant.
2. How often should I water my Gesneriad?
Water your plants when the soil has dried out slightly but do not let the soil become waterlogged. 3.
What kind of soil mix should I use for Gesneriads?
Use African violet soil mix that includes perlite for better drainage.
4. How often should I fertilize my Gesneriad?
Fertilize your plants every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the dormant season. 5.
What are the benefits of growing Gesneriads?
These plants are adaptable to low light levels, thrive in warm and humid environments, and can bloom year-round.
They are also relatively easy to care for and propagate.