| I've noticed mold on the surface of the dirt around my Gloxinia, and the new buds get just so big and then turn brown and wilt before they have a chance to bloom. What would contribute to this problem? |
| It's possible mold spores are splashing up and infecting the flower buds on your plant. I'd remove the top inch of soil and replace it with fresh soil to get rid of the mold. This should help your plant regain its health. To get and keep gloxinia's in tip top shape, follow these guidelines: give the plants average household warmth (minimum 60F degrees), bright light (or shade if you put them outdoors in the summertime), keep the potting soil moist at all times, use tepid rather than cold tap water, and try to keep water off the leaves. Gloxinia's thrive in a moist environment so put the pot on a tray of pebbles and keep water in the tray - or mist the leaves occasionally- to provide the humidity it likes. Reduce watering when the plant has finished flowering, and stop feeding. Allow to dry out when the leaves turn yellow - then store the plant in the pot over the winter. Repot tuber in fresh potting soil in the spring, or repot while it's dormant (Jan - Feb.). Keep warm and dry until leaves appear, then provide the proper temperature, light and watering conditions. |
