How to Grow Scarlet Gesneria
iNaturalist
Scarlet Gesneria
Gesneria citrina
flowerGesneria citrina is a tropical perennial flowering plant native to Cuba, belonging to the Gesneriaceae family. It produces vibrant scarlet to orange-red tubular flowers with yellow throats that attract hummingbirds and other pollinators. The plant features attractive dark green, textured foliage and is primarily grown as a houseplant or in warm, humid garden environments.
When should you plant Scarlet Gesneria in your zone?
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Example Scarlet Gesneria timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Scarlet Gesneria
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Scarlet Gesneria blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Scarlet Gesneria dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10b-11; requires warm, frost-free conditions year-round
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Seedling
3-4 weeksTiny seedlings emerge with cotyledons and first true leaves appearing within 2-3 weeks of germination
Maintain high humidity (70-80%), bright indirect light, and consistent moisture. Keep temperature at 70-75°F. Do not allow to dry out completely
Vegetative
6-10 weeksPlant develops robust, textured foliage with characteristic dark green leaves; stem thickens and plant increases in size
Maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F), high humidity, and bright indirect light. Fertilize biweekly with diluted balanced fertilizer. Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier growth
Bud Formation
3-4 weeksSmall red-orange buds begin forming at leaf axils; buds gradually elongate and prepare to open
Maintain consistent warmth and humidity. Continue regular feeding with phosphorus-rich fertilizer to promote bud development. Ensure adequate light without direct sun stress
Flowering
4-8 weeks per flowering cycle; can rebloom multiple times yearlyTubular scarlet-orange flowers with yellow-gold throats open successively, creating dramatic color displays
Maintain humidity, consistent moisture, and bright indirect light. Do not move plant frequently. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming. Avoid cold drafts
Post-Flowering Rest
4-6 weeksPlant produces seed pods after flowers fade; foliage may slow growth slightly during cooler months
Reduce watering frequency slightly if plant shows signs of dormancy in winter. Remove seed pods unless collecting seeds. Resume heavier feeding in spring as growth accelerates
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation; use yellow sticky traps; isolate infected plants
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; increase humidity and air circulation
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Mist foliage regularly to increase humidity; spray with neem oil or miticide; improve air circulation; avoid over-fertilizing
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Remove manually with soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap; inspect regularly for reinfestation
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; use yellow sticky traps; improve drainage; replace top layer of soil if needed
Uses
Not edible
CulinaryGesneria citrina is ornamental only and is not consumed. No culinary applications. [source]
Indoor houseplant decoration
HouseholdExcellent as a tropical houseplant for bright windowsills, terrariums, and plant displays. Creates vibrant color and tropical ambiance in homes and greenhouses. The dramatic scarlet flowers make striking focal points in interior plant collections. [source]
Hummingbird attraction
WildlifeThe bright red-orange tubular flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds and other nectarivorous birds in tropical and subtropical gardens. Provides essential nectar food source for these pollinators. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftLong-stemmed flower spikes can be cut for fresh flower arrangements and tropical bouquets. The vibrant scarlet flowers add exotic color and visual interest to floral displays. [source]
Traditional tropical medicine
MedicinalIn its native Caribbean and Central American regions, Gesneria species have been used in traditional herbal medicine, though scientific research on medicinal properties remains limited. Not widely used in modern herbal medicine. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Gesneria citrina is not harvested for food or plant material. Enjoy flowers on the plant for maximum visual impact, or cut long stems with 2-3 flowers for fresh arrangements; flowers last 5-7 days in water. Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage continued blooming throughout the season
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Gesneria citrina is native to the montane regions of eastern Cuba, where it grows as an epiphyte on trees in humid cloud forests
- 🌱 The genus Gesneria contains over 70 species, many endemic to Caribbean islands and found nowhere else in the world, making them prized among tropical plant collectors
- 🌱 The bright scarlet flowers are specifically adapted through their color and tubular shape to attract hummingbirds as primary pollinators, rather than insects
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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