Gloxinia Growing Methods and Pruning Tips

Gloxinia has extremely high ornamental value and is deeply loved and sought after by everyone. How to grow gloxinia? How to prune it:

How to grow gloxinia:

1. Temperature. The growing temperature for gloxinia has different requirements in different seasons. From January to October it is 18—25°C, and from October to January of the following year it is 10—12°C. A suitable temperature can make the leaves grow luxuriantly and the flowers bright and colorful.

2. Light. Gloxinia prefers a semi-shaded, warm environment. During cultivation, care should be taken to provide proper shade and avoid direct sunlight. It is best to receive scattered light, with constant adjustment according to actual growth conditions.

3. Soil. Gloxinia prefers loose, fertile humus soil. Therefore, it should be cultivated in loose, slightly acidic soil rich in humus.

How to prune gloxinia:

1. Pruning during flowering. After gloxinia blooms, if the leaves around the flowers hinder the normal growth of the flowers, some leaves can be completely cut off according to the actual situation and needs, or half of the leaves can be cut off. Pruning the leaves in this way allows the flowers to open concentrated at the top of the plant, forming a bouquet and creating a better ornamental effect. After pruning, gloxinia can produce as many as 18 flowers at one time. Among them, a gloxinia grown in a flower pot with a diameter of 12 cm, with a plant height not exceeding 15 cm and only 2 branches, can produce 16 flowers at the same time, a mass of blooms that is very beautiful.

2. Pruning after flowering. After flowering, if the growing soil is fertile and management is proper, it will send out a second batch of buds. After gloxinia blooms, if there is no need to save seeds, it is best to cut off the flower stems to control the loss of nutrients, which is beneficial for continued flowering and the growth and development of the tubers.

Now you clearly understand how to grow gloxinia.

How to prune gloxinia, gloxinia pruning methods / pinching before flowering, cutting flower stems after flowers fade

As a common ornamental flower, gloxinia is not difficult to grow; it will bloom with just a little attention to light, water, and fertilizer. However, blooming is one thing, but if you want gloxinia to bloom more and look beautiful, timely pruning is very important. So how should gloxinia be pruned? The following are the pruning methods for gloxinia. Let's take a look together!

I. How to prune gloxinia

Pruning gloxinia can be divided into three stages: pruning before flowering, pruning during the flowering period, and pruning after the flowers fade. Simply put: before flowering, pinch off the topmost flower branch; during the gloxinia flowering period, cut off the leaves that hinder flower growth; after the flowers fade, if there is no need to save seeds, it is best to cut off the flower stems. For more specifics, let's continue reading below.

II. Gloxinia pruning methods

(1) Pruning techniques

1. Pruning before flowering, pinching

The flowering period of gloxinia is from April to November. Before flowering, you should pinch off the topmost flower branch of the plant. After this pruning, gloxinia will encourage more side branches and produce more flowers.

Notes: When pinching gloxinia, earlier is better than later. Pruning should begin in March, which helps it take shape and bloom earlier. After pinching, you should also keep 2-3 new shoots of similar height and suitable position to ensure the flowers bloom smoothly.

2. Pruning during flowering, cutting leaves

Generally, flowers do not need pruning during flowering, but gloxinia is an exception. This is because each gloxinia produces a large number of flowers when blooming, and at this time its large leaves will hinder the normal growth of the flowers, so leaves need to be cut during the flowering period.

When pruning the leaves, you should combine this with the actual situation and either cut off some leaves entirely or cut off half of them. After this pruning, the flowers of gloxinia will concentrate and open at the top, forming a bouquet, as shown in the picture above. Doesn't it look beautiful?

3. Pruning after the flowers fade, cutting the flower stems

How should gloxinia be pruned after the flowers fade? If you do not want to save seeds, it is best to cut off the flower stems, which can control the loss of nutrients. If at this time the growing soil is fertile and management is proper, gloxinia will send out a second batch of buds and continue to bloom.

If you want to save seeds, dig out the gloxinia tubers, cut off the leaves and stems, keep a section of stem 3-4 cm long, and then promptly store them in sand, keeping the temperature not lower than 5°C. During overwintering, water at the right time, not too much. After the temperature warms up in spring, the tubers will sprout. At this time, you can keep 2 to 3 sprouted shoots and move them to pots to continue care.

(2) Pruning time

When you are preparing to prune gloxinia, be sure to check the weather. Do not prune on cloudy or rainy days; it is best to choose a time with plenty of sunshine. After pruning in this way, the plant's wounds will heal faster and are less likely to become infected.

In daily life, many friends grow gloxinia. Many flower lovers wonder why other people's gloxinia produces more and larger flowers, while their own is completely different. This is the effect of pruning! So in order for gloxinia to produce more beautiful flowers, everyone should master the pruning methods for gloxinia.

How should gloxinia be pruned

Before flowering

Before gloxinia blooms, the branches and buds should be pruned, with proper pinching to remove the topmost flower branch. The earlier pinching is done, the better, as it helps the plant bloom earlier.

During flowering

Dense leaves grow around the flowers of gloxinia and will hinder flower growth, so the leaves should be properly cut off to let the flowers bloom concentrated at the top of the plant, creating an excellent ornamental effect.

After flowering

After gloxinia blooms, if seeds are not being kept, it is best to cut off the flower stems to avoid nutrient loss. Entering winter, keep the gloxinia tubers and store them in sand, ensuring the temperature is not lower than 5°C.

That is all for the propagation methods of gloxinia. I hope these can help everyone grow a more beautiful pot of gloxinia.