CULTURE OF GESNERIADS 
In general, the culture of allGesneriads is similar. They pre- 
fer a loose, sandy soil with plenty of half-rotted leafmold and 
fibrous peat with some fine charcoal added, and a small amount 
of dried sheep manure and bonemeal. Soil and pots must be 
sterile and free of nematodes. Put extra good drainage in the 
bottom of the pot. Some of them, Columneas and Trichosporum's 
in particular, are epiphytic in habit and my best results have 
been obtained when | have grown them in shredded osmunda 
mixed with a smaller proportion of leafmold, making sure the 
drainage is perfect. 
Most Gesneriads will develope water spots on the foliage 
from overhead watering with cold water when the air temper- 
ature i's high. The rules for fertilizing African Violets hold 
true for these other relatives -- liquid fertilizer applied about 
every two weeks during growth is sufficient. 
The bulbous types, Gesneria, |soloma, Gloxinia, Naegelia, 
Sinningia, etc. take a rest after their blooming period is over 
and water should be applied only often enough to keep the 
bulbs from shrinking when they are dormant. A brighter light 
exposure than you have found best for African Violets will be 
just about right for most other Gesneriads. 
Gesneriads make ideal House plats as they have such 
striking foliage plus beautiful flowers. They are also good 
greenhouse plants providing the temperature is kept above 60°F. 
