How to Grow Temple Bells
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Temple Bells
Smithiantha zebrina
flowerSmithiantha zebrina is a tropical rhizomatous perennial known for its striking tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow with mottled or striped patterns. The plant features velvety, deeply lobed foliage with decorative red veining that adds ornamental value even when not blooming. It is primarily grown as a houseplant or in warm greenhouse conditions.
When should you plant Temple Bells in your zone?
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Example Temple Bells timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Temple Bells
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 Temple Bells blooms
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Temple Bells dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in USDA zones 10b-12; grown indoors in cooler climates
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Dormancy/Rhizome
8-12 weeks (winter dormancy)Rhizomes are dormant and appear as scaly, potato-like structures, typically stored dry
Store rhizomes in cool, dry location (50-60°F) until spring; check periodically for mold or rot; avoid moisture
Sprouting & Establishment
3-4 weeksFirst shoots emerge and unfurl; small velvety leaves with red veining appear
Keep soil lightly moist; maintain warm temperatures (65-75°F); provide bright, indirect light; start weekly dilute fertilizing
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksFoliage expands rapidly; plant develops deeper lobing and more pronounced red veining; bushy form develops
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth; increase fertilizing to every 7-10 days with balanced fertilizer; ensure high humidity (50-70%); provide air circulation to prevent fungal issues
Flowering
8-12 weeksTubular flowers in red, orange, or yellow emerge from leaf axils in clusters; blooms may have spotted or striped patterns
Maintain warm temperatures (68-75°F); continue consistent moisture and humidity; switch to phosphorus-rich fertilizer (higher middle number); deadhead spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming
Decline & Dormancy
4-6 weeksFlowering slows; foliage yellows and withers; plant naturally enters rest period
Reduce watering as plant naturally dries down; allow foliage to die back completely; stop fertilizing; move to cool location (50-60°F); prepare rhizomes for storage if repotting next season
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity; mist foliage regularly; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; spray undersides of leaves
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Remove with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol; apply insecticidal soap; isolate infected plants
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Use yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; improve air circulation
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Allow soil surface to dry slightly between waterings; use sand topdressing; apply diatomaceous earth; use yellow sticky traps
Uses
No culinary use
CulinarySmithiantha zebrina is not used for food or beverage purposes. [source]
Ornamental houseplant and cut flowers
HouseholdValued as an indoor houseplant for its exotic, velvety foliage and colorful tubular flowers. The striking bell-shaped blooms make excellent long-lasting cut flowers for fresh arrangements. [source]
Floral arranging and hybridization
CraftPopular among plant collectors and breeders; used in hybridization programs to create new cultivars with varied flower colors and patterns. The flowers are prized by floral artists for their exotic appearance. [source]
Hummingbird and pollinator attraction (outdoors in tropics)
WildlifeIn tropical regions where grown outdoors, the tubular flowers attract hummingbirds and long-tongued insects. Indoors, primarily of aesthetic interest. [source]
No established medicinal use
MedicinalSmithiantha zebrina has no documented traditional or modern medicinal applications. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for arrangements once fully open; they typically last 1-2 weeks in a vase with fresh water. For seed collection (if applicable), allow flowers to develop seed capsules and harvest when dry. For rhizome propagation, allow foliage to die back completely, then carefully dig and separate new baby rhizomes; dust with fungicide and allow to dry before storage.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Smithiantha zebrina is a member of the Gesneriaceae family, the same family as African Violets and Gloxinias, making it a relative of many popular houseplants.
- 🌱 The plant's velvety foliage and striking red veining are nearly as ornamental as its flowers, providing year-round visual interest even before blooming.
- 🌱 Smithiantha species are native to cloud forests of Mexico and Guatemala, where they grow as epiphytes or on moist rocks in dappled light, explaining their preference for humidity and indirect light indoors.
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