Secrets of the formation of a compact gloxinia bush
When breeding gloxinia, a common defect is a violation of the normal development of the plant, namely, when the bush takes on a disheveled shape. The shoots of the flower begin to stretch, and the flower itself falls on its side. This creates certain inconveniences in care, in addition, the bush loses its compact appearance and may even break. What is the reason for this phenomenon and how to help the plant?
Causes of "disheveled" gloxinia
If the bush gloxinia began to lose its shape and stretch, there is no need to look far for the cause. Most often this occurs as a result of a violation of conditions of detention, namely a combination of two factors:
- insufficient lighting;
- high air temperature.
This combination is typical for the winter period, when the heating batteries begin to work, and the duration of daylight hours is significantly reduced. Just in the period when the tubers wake up, the shape of the bush is largely determined.
Gloxinia will grow lush and beautiful if, from the beginning of germination of tubers to flowering, you provide it with a comfortable temperature and good lighting.
How to prevent stretching of gloxinia?
The most suitable place for a flower is in the southwest window sill. If the pot is on the north window, it is necessary to provide the plant with additional lighting in winter so that it does not stretch in search of light.
Daylight hours should be at least 12 hours.
As for the temperature, it is undesirable to place the flower next to the radiator - hot and dry air emanates from it. It is better that the air temperature in the room where gloxinia grows is at the level of 18-20 degrees.
How to get Gloxinia back into a compact form?
If it was not possible to save the flower, and it still lost its shape, this does not mean that one can say goodbye to the bush. Fortunately, the situation can be corrected using a simple method.
So what needs to be done with the elongated bush? In late spring, after the first flowering, the ground part of the plant should be cut off. Moisten the rest (tuber) and place the pot in a bright place. It is better to choose a window that does not open in order to protect the flower from a possible draft.
By the beginning of summer, new sprouts will hatch from the tuber. Since there is enough light during this period, the new shrub will grow compact and lush.