I have had a gloxinia plant for at least four years if not more. When we purchased it we plopped it into a terra cotta pot, watered it and put it in a semi-shady spot. That's it. It's never been fed or pampered yet here it is several years later just as gorgeous as the day we brought it home. Gloxinia, or Sinningia speciosa, is from Brazil and is usually considered an indoor or greenhouse plant. It likes some water and temps in the 70s. The flowers are absolutely gorgeous and look just like velvet. This picture was taken late day just as I finished watering the gardens.

Did you know there is a Gloxinia society? Yep - the American Gloxinia & Gesneriad Society probably has a club near you. What is gesneriad, you ask? Well, it's a family of over 2500 plants best known for the African Violet. Learn something new every day. Happy Gardening.