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About the genus

Sinningia is a genus of perennials in the gesneriad family, Gesneriaceae, also known as the African violet family. These relatives of the African violet are native from southern Mexico through tropical South America. The genus is generally used as a common name, too, though Sinningia speciosa is often called gloxinia. Most sinningias grow from a tuber, producing multiple leafy stems and flowering from the ends of those stems, or from the leaf axils. Some species are deciduous, dying back completely to the tuber. Others are evergreen. Sinningia flowers are generally tubular, with some more open and flaring, and can be red, orange, yellow, magenta, or white. Some are fragrant, too!

Uses

Many sinningias are excellent container plants. Some arch out or even become pendant, making them candidates for hanging baskets. The tubers make them quite drought tolerant and suitable for rock gardens, crevice gardens, and xeric gardens. In temperate climates, most sinningias are grown as houseplants or in greenhouses, sunrooms, and conservatories, but a few are hardy to USDA zone 7.

Care

Sinningias have varying light and water requirements, but all need excellent drainage, mostly preferring sandy or rocky soils. Many can be found growing on rocks or cliffs in the wild. Deciduous species should be kept dry when dormant, usually in winter, while evergreen species need at least some water throughout the year. Sinningias without tubers require more even watering, but avoid soggy soil.