Sinningia: A World of Velvety Blooms and Underground Treasures
My name is Ferb Vu, and I’m captivated by the world of Sinningia. This genus of flowering plants, belonging to the Gesneriaceae family, holds a special place in my heart. Native primarily to Brazil, Sinningia are renowned for their vibrant, often velvety flowers and their fascinating growth habits. Many species sport intriguing tubers, adding another layer of interest to these already remarkable plants.
A Diverse Genus
Sinningia is a diverse genus, encompassing roughly 75 recognized species. They range from compact rosettes to towering, upright plants, showcasing the incredible variety within this group. Some species, like Sinningia speciosa, are commonly known as “gloxinias” and are popular houseplants due to their stunning, bell-shaped flowers. Others, like Sinningia leucotricha, are admired for their unique foliage, covered in a dense layer of silvery hairs.
- Sinningia aggregata (Ker Gawl.) Wiehler
- Sinningia aghensis Chautems
- Sinningia allagophylla (Mart.) Wiehler
- Sinningia amambayensis Chautems
- Sinningia araneosa Chautems
- Sinningia barbata (Nees & Mart.) G.Nicholson
- Sinningia bragae Chautems, M.Peixoto & Rossini
- Sinningia brasiliensis (Regel & E.Schmidt) Wiehler & Chautems
- Sinningia bulbosa (Ker Gawl.) Wiehler
- Sinningia bullata Chautems & M.Peixoto
- Sinningia calcaria (Dusén ex Malme) Chautems
- Sinningia canastrensis Chautems
- Sinningia canescens (Mart.) Wiehler
- Sinningia carangolensis Chautems
- Sinningia cardinalis (Lehm.) H.E.Moore
- Sinningia cochlearis (Hook.) Chautems
- Sinningia concinna (Hook.f.) G.Nicholson
- Sinningia conspicua (Seem.) Focke
- Sinningia cooperi (Paxton) Wiehler
- Sinningia curtiflora (Malme) Chautems
- Sinningia defoliata (Malme) Chautems
- Sinningia douglasii (Lindl.) Chautems
- Sinningia elatior (Kunth) Chautems
- Sinningia eumorpha H.E.Moore
- Sinningia flammea Chautems & Rossini
- Sinningia ganevii Chautems & Mat.Perret
- Sinningia gerdtiana Chautems
- Sinningia gesnerifolia (Hanst.) Clayberg
- Sinningia gigantifolia Chautems
- Sinningia glazioviana (Fritsch) Chautems
- Sinningia globulosa Chautems & M.Peixoto
- Sinningia guttata Lindl.
- Sinningia harleyi Wiehler & Chautems
- Sinningia hatschbachii Chautems
- Sinningia helioana Chautems & Rossini
- Sinningia helleri Nees
- Sinningia hirsuta (Lindl.) G.Nicholson
- Sinningia hoehnei Chautems, A.P.Fontana & Rossini
- Sinningia iarae Chautems
- Sinningia incarnata (Aubl.) D.L.Denham
- Sinningia insularis (Hoehne) Chautems
- Sinningia kautskyi Chautems
- Sinningia lateritia (Lindl.) Chautems
- Sinningia leopoldii (Scheidw. ex Planch.) Chautems
- Sinningia leucotricha (Hoehne) H.E.Moore
- Sinningia lindleyi L.Schauer
- Sinningia lineata (Hjelmq.) Chautems
- Sinningia lutea Buzatto & R.B.Singer
- Sinningia macrophylla (Nees & Mart.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Fritsch
- Sinningia macropoda (Sprague) H.E.Moore
- Sinningia macrostachya (Lindl.) Chautems
- Sinningia magnifica (Otto & A.Dietr.) Wiehler
- Sinningia mauroana Chautems
- Sinningia micans (Fritsch) Chautems
- Sinningia minima A.O.Araujo & Chautems
- Sinningia muscicola Chautems, T.Lopes & M.Peixoto
- Sinningia nivalis Chautems
- Sinningia nordestina Chautems, Baracho & J.A.Siqueira Filho
- Sinningia piresiana (Hoehne) Chautems
- Sinningia polyantha (DC.) Wiehler
- Sinningia punctata Ysabeau
- Sinningia pusilla (Mart.) Baill.
- Sinningia ramboi G.E.Ferreira, Waechter & Chautems
- Sinningia reitzii (Hoehne) L.E.Skog
- Sinningia richii Clayberg
- Sinningia rupicola (Mart.) Wiehler
- Sinningia sceptrum (Mart.) Wiehler
- Sinningia schiffneri Fritsch
- Sinningia schomburgkiana (Kunth & C.D.Bouché) Chautems
- Sinningia sellovii (Mart.) Wiehler
- Sinningia speciosa (G.Lodd. ex Ker Gawl.) Hiern
- Sinningia stapelioides Chautems & M.Peixoto
- Sinningia striata (Fritsch) Chautems
- Sinningia sulcata (Rusby) Wiehler
- Sinningia sulphurea Chautems & D.B.O.S.Cardoso
- Sinningia tuberosa (Mart.) H.E.Moore
- Sinningia tubiflora (Hook.) Fritsch
- Sinningia valsuganensis Chautems
- Sinningia velutina Lindl.
- Sinningia villosa Lindl.
- Sinningia warmingii (Hiern) Chautems
More Than Just Pretty Flowers
While the flowers of Sinningia are undoubtedly eye-catching, the genus offers much more to appreciate. Many species develop fascinating tubers, which serve as storage organs for the plants. These tubers vary in size and shape, from small, round structures to large, elongated ones. Some species, like Sinningia leucotricha, even have tubers that grow above the soil surface, adding to their visual appeal.
The diversity in growth habits is another captivating aspect of Sinningia. Some species, like Sinningia speciosa, form compact rosettes, while others, like Sinningia sceptrum, can grow into tall, upright plants reaching several feet in height. This variety in growth forms allows for a wide range of cultivation options, from hanging baskets to spacious greenhouses.
A Rewarding Genus for Cultivation
Despite their exotic origins, many Sinningia species are surprisingly easy to cultivate. They generally prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings is crucial, as overwatering can lead to tuber rot. During their growing season, Sinningia benefit from regular fertilization to support healthy growth and flowering.
One of the most rewarding aspects of growing Sinningia is witnessing the emergence of their blooms. The flowers, often appearing in clusters, come in a spectrum of colors, including red, orange, pink, purple, white, and even yellow. Their velvety texture and intricate patterns add to their allure, making them a true delight for any plant lover.
A Personal Connection
My fascination with Sinningia stems from their unique blend of beauty and resilience. Their ability to produce such stunning flowers from seemingly dormant tubers is a testament to their adaptability and strength. I find the diversity within this genus truly inspiring, and I’m always eager to learn more about these captivating plants.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting your plant journey, I encourage you to explore the world of Sinningia. With their captivating flowers, intriguing tubers, and diverse growth habits, these plants are sure to bring joy and wonder to any collection.
