Sinningia speciosa - Gloxinia at WALMART! of all places

Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

Had another hitchhiker yesterday. I did a lame duck and went to Wal Mart to buy some big clay pots. Why? you might ask, well because I was too lazy or something to get my now way-sprouting Tulip bulbs into the ground. And the bed they were going in is already full of sprouting daffodil, tulip and narcissus bulbs so I cant really step in there without causing damage (at least this is what I tell myself!)

Anyhoo... strolling through the walmart garden section I come across these sweet little gift box type dealies with a Sinningia speciosa 'Gloxinia' named 'Cupid', she begs me to come home so that she doesn't have to spend another day in this dreadful place and of course being into 'rescue' like I am ( I mean all my dogs are rescues) I said "of course - quick, jump in my cart before I change my mind"
(Not like I'd change my mind, I don't have one of these yet!) So we quickly got out of that place and home she is!

Now, the question is what to do. She's used to these hoy-paloy living conditions, Purple velvet box and all, but I want to put her into a small pot until she roots and then pot up as she fills out. I think her current living situation was just a bit too large and that that ol green plastic pot with no holes might just suffocate her and cause root or crown rot if it got too wet. (who me? over water? Uh HUH! )

Maybe I'm wrong, so I thought I'd better ask the Gessie-heads here what to do. I think the pot and box are sweet, but are they practical? I mean wouldn't that box make a nice seed holder? I think so!

Thumbnail by begoniacrazii
Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

Here's the famous "purple velvet box"

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Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

Here's the contents.

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Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

The bulb is in the bag. Soil looks to be pure peat.

Thumbnail by begoniacrazii
Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

That green plastic tub is 5-1/2 x 5-1/2 inches - too big I think.

Thumbnail by begoniacrazii
Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

The box said 6 cm bulb, mine looks a little smaller.

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Palm Bay, FL(Zone 9b)

hi laurie..have seen them here for some time...they don't seem to be selling...maybe it will be on sale...they have lots of tulips now and they are spent...bloomed in our 82 degree heat and are almost done...glad you got that...keep us updated on it..bob

Northwest, MO(Zone 5a)

Don't have any advice on how to grow Gloxinia Cupid, but I may just have to head to Wally World and see if they have any.

I'll be waiting for replies on how to care for this also.

Deb

DC metro, VA(Zone 7b)

lol, you're too funny.

I think your instincts are good - small pot, loose just-moist potting mix, plant near surface and *cross fingers*. (They don't always resprout.)

Dunedin, FL(Zone 10b)

WOW That is so cool. Box everything ! Was is expensive ? You lucky ducks going to stores. Sounds like fun ! Good luck !

Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

Yea, considering the -just slightly bigger than a quarter bulb- it was. $10.
BUT if I were to get one via eBay or other mail order, it would be at least that much once you figure the s/h.

They had red too! ( I guess it's the valentines thing)

Dunedin, FL(Zone 10b)

WOW that's really neat :))

Dunedin, FL(Zone 10b)

I always wonder what happen to this and that ! I love seeing some folow-up on threads . How did these grow for you Lali !

Missouri City, TX(Zone 9a)

Lali you are right, both you and Key got it down- what a cool presentation.

Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

oh my gosh, you must be psychic! I just pulled it out today from the back bottom shelf. It FINALLY sprouted a bit of growth. Only about 2" so far, but finally. What I think is I planted it upside down. Because the growth comes from below the bulb. But what do I know, LOL, both sides looked the same to me. LOL.
I'll see if I can get a shot of it.

edited to change my poor spelling!

This message was edited Jun 13, 2006 4:54 PM

Missouri City, TX(Zone 9a)

Good anxious to see- and silly me, didn't bother to look and didn't realize that I was looking at old posts so it's Allison who is psycic! She has many talents.

Dunedin, FL(Zone 10b)

Oh cool !

DC metro, VA(Zone 7b)

good job!

fl's glox tubers can be a royal annoyance, so that's really good growing! Not everyone can leave it on the back bottom shelf just so.... :-)

(no, I'm not being snarky - the truly dormant tubers are really finicky)

Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

Here's a real blurry shot of it. I posted it over in the other thread too. (note to self, plant bulbs right side up next time) =)

Thumbnail by begoniacrazii
Northern California, CA(Zone 9a)

Looks like my record for Glox bulb sprouting is roughly .... hmmm... four and a half months (look at the date I started this thread, January 25! ) Not the best return on my time investment. But then again, I finally got tired of watching it and made it go sit in the corner until it could behave! LOL

Silver Spring, MD

Works with kids. Why not plants

Dunedin, FL(Zone 10b)

Looks great can't wait for the flowers !

Red Oak, NC(Zone 7b)

The blossoms on the box are awesome! I can't wait to see it either!

Lee's Summit, MO(Zone 6a)

These are so simple to grow - just don't overwater and when the flowers and foliage start to wilt, the corm is going dormant for awhile. Just stop all watering and put up on a shelf where it's cool, dark and dry.

In a couple of months (mark your calender) it will put out new growth. You may then begin to lightly water and fertilize and enjoy the next show.

I have about 6 different color combos, one in bud right now. I really enjoy growing these plants!

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