Sinningia speciosa aka Florist's Gloxinia

Sinningia speciosa is a small flowering plant from southeastern Brazil. It belongs to the Gesneriaceae family, which includes African violets. Gardeners know it as gloxinia or Brazilian gloxinia. In its native range, it grows in seasonally dry tropical conditions. It is a tuberous perennial and can also grow on rocks. Outside tropical areas, gardeners grow it indoors or in greenhouses. Its flowers and soft leaves give it value in containers.

Plants form a low mound about 0.5–1 foot (0.15–0.3 metres) tall and wide. Growth proceeds at a moderate pace. Green leaves gather in a rosette at the plant's base. Each leaf is simple, with an oval or oblong shape. Fine hairs give the leaves a soft, velvet-like feel. Their edges have teeth or scallops. Leaves measure about 0.08–0.25 feet (0.025–0.076 metres) long and wide. The stems have no scent.

Flowers rise in groups above the leaves in spring and summer. They have a bell or trumpet shape and feel velvety. Blooms measure about 0.25–0.5 feet (0.076–0.15 metres) across. The species page lists purple, red, white, and yellow flowers. Removing faded blooms can help the plant make more flowers. After spring bloom, cutting back to two leaves may prompt another flush. The long flowering season makes it useful as a flowering houseplant.

Give it bright indoor light, but keep it out of direct sun. Strong sun can scorch the leaves. It needs acidic soil that drains well, with steady moisture during growth. A peat-based potting mix suits container culture. Plant tubers about 0.04 feet (0.013 metres) deep. It is winter hardy in USDA zones 11–12. Pots can go outside during warm weather. After flowering ends, reduce water as the leaves die back. Keep dormant pots somewhere dark at 60–65°F. Moisten them enough to stop the tubers from drying out. Restore light and regular watering when new growth starts.

This plant needs regular care, including removal of dead leaves. Leaf cuttings offer a way to make new plants. Too much water can lead to crown rot or gray mold. Avoid watering from above to reduce these risks. Aphids, scale, fungus gnats, and root mealybugs may attack it. Other risks include vine weevils, leaf spot, rust, and powdery mildew. ASPCA lists it as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. That safety listing does not establish that it is edible.