Sinningia

( sin - IN - jee - uh )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of small herbaceous evergreens is native to Central and South America, and often grows on rocks and cliffsides in its natural habitat. These are attractive greenhouse plants or houseplants that need warmth, high humidity, and bright indirect light to thrive. ​​

Sinningia Species and Varietals

The genus Sinningia includes between about 75 and 85 species species, and is a member of the plant family Gesneriaceae. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

​Sinningia araneosa (Hairy Brazilian Hardy Gloxinia)
This species of Sinningia is native to Brazil in the state of Sao Paulo. It was first discovered in 1857, but was not seen again until the 1990s. Flowers are tubular and bright red, with protruding stamens. Leaves are downy and light greyish green with scalloped margins.

Sinningia bullata (Emerald Forest)
This species produces small orange to reddish flowers and blistery green leaves that have fuzzy undersides. These plants are native to Brazil, and make great indoor houseplants.

Sinningia canescens (Brazilian Edelweiss)
This tuberous perennial species reaches about 12 inches in height at maturity, and produces very light silver-green leaves and light orange to orange flowers. These plants are cultivated as houseplants or hothouse specimens.

Sinningia gerdtiana
This species produces green leaves with a bronze tint, and white trumpet shaped flowers with lavender, magenta and purple markings. These plants are native to Brazil, where they enjoy a seasonally dry tropical biome. 

Sinningia globulosa
This Brazilian native species produces red flowers with purple and white markings on the mouth openings. These intricately beautiful specimens are commonly grown in greenhouses or kept as indoor plants. Leaves are green and downy.

Sinningia helioana 
This species is native to Brazil and reaches about 8 inches tall at maturity. Flowers are red with cream-colored throats.

Sinningia muscicola (Rio das Pedras)
These humidity-loving plants produce green leaves with serrated edges and purple to dark brown veining and margins. Flowers are light lavender and trumpet-shaped. 

Sinningia speciosa (Florists' Gloxinia, Brazilian Gloxinia)
​This species was originally classified under the genus Gloxinia in 1817, but was reclassified in the genus Sinningia later on. These plants produce very large, brightly colored flowers and have similar care requirements to African Violets.

Caring for Streptocarpus

Propagation

Problems and Pests

Pilea plants are susceptible to the following issues and pests:​
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For more information on these problems, including how to correct them, see the following links.
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Gallery
A field of thea sinensis
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'

Videos

Learn about these interesting houseplants.
An educational video about Cast-Iron Plant.

Resources

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