Gloxinia Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted'
ABOUT
The Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted', also known as the "Empress Purple Spotted," boasts a stunning display of vibrant purple flowers adorned with characteristic spotting. These blooms form in clusters and exhibit a tubular shape that flares open into broad, five-petaled corollas attracting a viewer's eye with their deep saturation and dotted patterns. The foliage of the Empress Purple Spotted is equally robust, featuring large, plush leaves with a velvety texture and a rich green hue that often provides a striking contrast to the intense purples of the flowers. The leaves can appear to have a slightly serrated edge, contributing to the plant's lush and slightly wild aesthetic. This specimen typically presents a shrub-like appearance, creating a rounded and full-bodied silhouette that is as attractive as it is opulent. It remains relatively compact, making it a suitable and beloved addition to indoor plant collections or outdoor garden displays in appropriate climates. Overall, its remarkable flowers and foliage make the Empress Purple Spotted a truly eye-catching plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Gesneriaceae.
Synonyms
Florist's Gloxinia, Brocade Gloxinia, Empress Gloxinia.
Common names
Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted'
ToxicityTo humans
Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted' is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. There is limited information on its toxicity, which suggests that if the Sinningia species, also commonly called 'Gloxinia,' were to be ingested, they are unlikely to cause severe poisoning. However, like many houseplants, they could potentially cause mild stomach upset if ingested in significant amounts. It is always prudent to keep houseplants out of the reach of children, who may be tempted to ingest plant parts out of curiosity.
To pets
Similar to its effects on humans, Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted', commonly known as 'Gloxinia', is not widely recognized for being toxic to pets. However, individual pets may have varying sensitivities, and ingestion could possibly lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. To be safe, it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this plant. If you suspect your pet has ingested part of a Gloxinia plant and is showing symptoms of distress, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits- Decorative Appeal: The 'Empress Purple Spotted' adds aesthetic value to indoor and outdoor spaces with its vibrant purple blooms and spots.
- Compact Size: Its small stature makes it suitable for windowsills, desktops, and small garden spaces without taking up much room.
- Low Maintenance: This plant requires minimal care, making it suitable for busy individuals or those new to gardening.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can withstand periods of drought, providing convenience for gardeners in arid climates or when on vacation.
- Continuous Blooming: It produces flowers repeatedly, providing a long-lasting display compared to plants that bloom only once per season.
- Hummingbird and Butterfly Attractant: The vibrant flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of the garden area.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Miniature Set Design: The Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted' can be an enchanting addition to miniature fairy gardens or terrariums, providing a vibrant pop of color and a whimsical touch to tiny fantasy landscapes.
- Educational Tool: Botany enthusiasts or teachers can use this Sinningia in lessons about tuberous plants or hybridization, offering a hands-on approach to learning plant biology and genetics.
- Photography Prop: Photographers might find the bright and spotted petals of the Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted' to be a beautiful subject or backdrop for macro photography and artistic compositions.
- Gift Plant: As an alternative to the usual bouquet of flowers, the Sinningia can be given as a potted gift plant due to its attractive appearance and perceived rarity, making it a unique present.
- Collectible Specimen: The Sinningia is part of a group called Gesneriads, and it can be a sought-after specimen for collectors who specialize in this plant family.
- Seasonal Decoration: During blooming periods, the Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted' can be used as a natural ornament for spring and summer-themed decorations or events.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists can draw inspiration from the intricate spotted patterns and purple hues of the Sinningia's flowers to create paintings, textiles, or other forms of art.
- Hobbyist Breeding: Plant enthusiasts might crossbreed different Sinningia varieties, engaging in a hobbyist form of plant breeding to create new hybrids with unique characteristics.
- Color Theme Gardens: Garden designers can incorporate Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted' into purple-themed gardens to create a visually cohesive and striking landscape design.
- Victorian Era Displays: This plant can add authenticity to period-specific gardens or displays aiming to capture the essence of Victorian gardening, when Gesneriads were very popular among collectors.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Sinningia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Sinningia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Royalty - The 'Empress' in its name may suggest a connection to royalty and nobility, with purple being a color traditionally associated with such status due to its rarity in historical contexts.
- Uniqueness - Its unique spotted pattern can symbolize the value in standing out and being distinct from others.
- Passion - The vibrant purple hue might also symbolize deep passion and enthusiasm.
- Mystery - Spotted patterns and the deep shades of purple can evoke a sense of mystery and the unknown.
- Elegance - Often plants with striking appearances, such as this Sinningia, are associated with a refined and elegant aesthetic.
WaterThe African Violet should be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 5 to 7 days, depending on environmental conditions. Use room temperature water and carefully water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which could cause spots. When watering, apply enough water so that it runs through the drainage holes, indicating the soil is saturated; this might be approximately one-fourth of a gallon for a standard pot size every week. Ensure that any excess water is emptied from the saucer to prevent root rot. During winter months, reduce watering frequency as plant growth slows down.
LightThe African Violet thrives in bright, indirect light, so a north- or east-facing windowsill is typically ideal. It should be protected from direct sunlight, especially during the harsh afternoon hours, which can scorch the leaves. If natural light is insufficient, consider using fluorescent or LED grow lights to provide the necessary illumination, positioning them about 12 inches above the plant for 12 to 14 hours a day.
TemperatureAfrican Violets prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum of around 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night and a maximum of about 85 degrees during the day. The ideal temperature range promotes healthy growth and blooming. Avoid placing the plant near drafts or heat sources, which can cause fluctuations outside of these temperature bounds.
PruningPruning the African Violet is mainly done to remove dead or dying leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s compact shape. Prune as needed throughout the year, whenever you notice unsightly or unhealthy foliage. The best time to prune is in the spring when the plant is entering a more vigorous growth phase, but removing dead flowers can be done at any time to keep the plant looking its best.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGloxinia 'Empress Purple Spotted' thrives in a well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite or vermiculite for aeration. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingGloxinias should be repotted every one to two years or when they outgrow their current pot to encourage health and blooming.
Humidity & MistingGloxinias prefer high humidity levels, ideally between 50% and 60%, to flourish.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Gloxinia in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Grow Gloxinia in dappled shade, sheltered from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
10-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted', commonly known as a hybrid Gloxinia, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in well-draining soil mix and maintained in warm conditions, germinates to produce small seedlings. These seedlings grow into rosettes of fuzzy leaves, and as they mature, the plant develops a tuber underground that serves as a storage organ. The Gloxinia enters a vegetative growth stage, which includes leaf development and the establishment of a strong root system, eventually leading to the flowering stage characterized by the appearance of large, bell-shaped purple flowers with distinctive spots. After pollination, which can be facilitated by insects or artificial means, the plant produces seed capsules that, when mature, release seeds to complete the reproductive cycle. Following the flowering and seed production, the Gloxinia may enter a dormancy period, where the foliage dies back, and the tuber rests until conditions are favorable for a new growth cycle to begin. Under optimal conditions, this plant can continuously produce foliage and flowers for several years before the tuber exhausts its resources and the plant completes its lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Sinningia 'Empress Purple Spotted', commonly known as a type of Hardy Gloxinia, can be propagated through several means, but the most popular method is by its tubers. This vegetative approach of propagation is usually carried out in late winter to early spring before new growth begins. You start by gently dividing the tuber, making sure each piece has at least one growth eye or bud. The sections of the tuber should then be allowed to dry for a day to form a callus over the cut surfaces, which helps to prevent rot. The cuttings are then planted in a well-draining soil mix, positioned with the growth eyes facing upward. Water the soil lightly to settle it around the tuber, maintaining moisture without becoming waterlogged. With appropriate warmth and light, the tubers will sprout and develop into new plants over the following weeks.
