How to Grow Gloxinia Defiance
Wikimedia Commons
Gloxinia Defiance
Sinningia speciosa 'Defiance'
flowerGloxinia Defiance is a stunning cultivar of florist's gloxinia known for its deep crimson to burgundy velvety flowers with contrasting white throat markings. This tender perennial houseplant produces large, dramatic blooms on compact plants with soft, fuzzy foliage. It thrives as an indoor container plant and is prized for its exhibition-quality flowers.
When should you plant Gloxinia Defiance in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example Gloxinia Defiance timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant Gloxinia Defiance
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
First Gloxinia Defiance blooms
Around Jul 16≈ 90 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Gloxinia Defiance dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 10-12; primarily grown as a houseplant in all regions
Sign up free to see if Gloxinia Defiance grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my Gloxinia Defiance timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy/Tuber rest
8-12 weeks (winter typically)Tuber lies dormant after blooming period; foliage dies back completely
Store tubers in cool, dry location (50-60°F) for 8-12 weeks; maintain slight soil moisture; no fertilizing
Sprouting/Early growth
3-4 weeksNew shoots emerge from tuber; first leaves unfurl, plant grows 2-4 inches tall
Resume watering and place in warm (70-75°F), bright indirect light; begin dilute fertilizing weekly; ensure good air circulation
Vegetative/Foliage development
4-6 weeksPlant develops multiple stems with soft, velvety heart-shaped leaves; stems grow to 6-8 inches; bushy growth habit
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth; fertilize every 7-10 days with balanced or bloom-promoting fertilizer; pinch terminals for bushier form if desired; maintain 65-75°F
Flowering
6-12 weeksAbundant deep crimson-burgundy flowers with white throats open; multiple blooms present simultaneously; flowers 2-3 inches across
Continue consistent watering at soil level; reduce nitrogen, increase potassium and phosphorus; maintain humidity and bright indirect light; avoid drafts; remove faded flowers to encourage continuous blooming
Post-flowering/Decline
2-4 weeks before dormancyFlowering slows; foliage may yellow; plant begins senescence
Gradually reduce watering; stop fertilizing; allow foliage to die back naturally; prepare for dormancy period; maintain 60-65°F
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove affected leaves; increase humidity and air circulation; isolate plant; treat with miticide if severe; difficult to control organically
-
Improve air circulation; reduce humidity slightly; remove affected leaves; spray with sulfur dust or fungicide; avoid wetting foliage
-
Inspect regularly; remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate infested plant
-
Remove heavily infested leaves; increase humidity; use sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed
-
Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; repot in fresh soil if detected early; remove diseased roots; improve air circulation
Uses
Exhibition houseplant
OrnamentalGloxinia Defiance is prized by plant enthusiasts and show growers for its dramatic deep burgundy flowers and compact growth habit. The velvety texture and contrasting white throat make it a showstopper on windowsills and plant shelves. [source]
Interior decoration
HouseholdThe striking flowers add elegant, sophisticated color to indoor spaces. The plant's relatively compact size makes it suitable for desks, shelves, and plant collections in homes and offices. [source]
Cut flower arrangements
CraftThe large, velvety flowers are suitable for small floral arrangements and can last several days in water. Their unique texture and deep coloring make them distinctive additions to bouquets. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeWhen grown outdoors in warm climates, the flowers attract hummingbirds and other pollinators due to their tubular throat structure and bright coloring. [source]
Harvest Tips
Gloxinias are ornamental flowering plants, not harvested for fruit or foliage. Deadhead spent flowers by removing entire flower stem at its base to encourage continuous blooming. Cut flowers can be enjoyed indoors in arrangements; pick in early morning when fully opened. Blooming period typically lasts 6-12 weeks with proper care.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Gloxinia 'Defiance' is named for its boldly contrasting color pattern, representing defiance against typical solid-colored varieties
- 🌱 Sinningia tubers can live for decades if properly stored during dormancy, with some specimens producing flowers for over 20 years
- 🌱 The fuzzy leaves of gloxinias are covered in fine trichomes that help regulate water loss and give them their distinctive velvety texture
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized Gloxinia Defiance planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start Gloxinia Defiance seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my Gloxinia Defiance timeline →