CULTURE OF GESNERIADS 
In general, the culture of all Gesneriads is sim- 
ilar. They prefer 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 mst be sterile 
and free of nematodes. Put extra good drainage in 
the bottom of the pot. Some of them, Columneas and 
Trichosporums in particular, are epiphytic in habit 
and my best results have been obtained when I have 
grown them in shredded osmunda mixed with a smaller 
proportion of leafmoid, making sure the drainage is 
perfect. 
Most Gesneriads will develope water spots on the 
foliage from overhead watering with cold water when 
the air temperature is high. The rules for fertiliz- 
ing African Violets held true for these other 
relatives - liquid fertilizer applied about every two 
weeks during growth is sufficient. 
The bulbous types, Kohleria, Gloxinia, Smithiantha, 
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 plants as they have 
such striking foliage plus beautiful flowers. They 
are also good greenhouse plants providing the temper- 
ature is kept above 60° F. 
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