Dichorisandra regina Geogenanthus undatus Episcia Lady Lou 
GEOGENANTHUS undatus ‘Seersucker Plant’’—A small erect clustering plant. 
The almost round leaves grow in whorls at top of short stem. The leaves 
resemble dark green nylon seersucker. 
RHOEO discolor—''Moses-in-the-cradle’’—Rosette of succulent, dagger-shaped 
leaves about a foot long, upper surface dark green, under surface smooth 
rich purple. Leaves very desirable in flower arrangements. Plant attractive 
at all times. 
TRADESCANTIA ‘'Purple Queen’’—The large (5'’) rich purple foliage of this 
plant is definitely a ‘‘New Look’”’ in Tradescantias. 
GESNERIACEAE — THE GESNERIA FAMILY 
The Gesneriads are the most satisfactory flowering house plants of the 
many families of tropical plants that we have had experience with. In addition 
to their unusual colorful flowers, most of them also have beautiful and very 
interesting foliage characters. For those of you who are intrigued with hybrid- 
izing, this family presents a great many interesting possibilities. One hundred 
years ago there were some wonderful hybrids developed in Europe that are 
now lost to cultivation and would certainly be worth remaking. 
In general, the culture of all Gesneriads is similar. 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 bone- 
meal. 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 
Aeschynanthus in particular, are epiphytic in habit and best results have been 
obtained when grown in shredded osmunda mixed with a smaller pro- 
portion of leafmold, making sure the drainage is perfect. 
Most Gesneriads will develop water spots on the foliage from overhead 
watering with cold water when the air temperature is 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, 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 
temperature is kept above 60°F. 
