Most species are herbaceous perennials or subshrubs but a few are woody shrubs or small trees. The phyllotaxy is usually opposite and decussate, but leaves have a spiral or alternate arrangement in some groups. As with other members of the Lamiales the flowers have a (usually) zygomorphic corolla whose petals are fused into a tube and there is no one character that separates a gesneriad from any other member of Lamiales. Gesneriads differ from related families of the Lamiales in having an unusual inflorescence structure, the "pair-flowered cyme", but some gesneriads lack this characteristic, and some other Lamiales (Calceolariaceae and some Scrophulariaceae) share it. The ovary can be superior, half-inferior or fully inferior, and the fruit a dry or fleshy capsule or a berry. The seeds are always small and numerous. Gesneriaceae have traditionally been separated from Scrophulariaceae by having a unilocular rather than bilocular ovary, with parietal rather than axile placentation.
Gesnariad Care
Gesneriaceae
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Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Part Sun
Temperature
15°C - 26°C
Hardiness zone
max 8
Difficulty
Medium
Hibernation
Cold Period
How to Care for the Plant
Water
Plants should be watered with room-temperature water when the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. While overwatering can lead to root rot, most gesneriads prefer consistently moist, organic soils. African violets are often watered from the base of the container. Placing the container is a shallow saucer full of water for an hour allows the water to soak up slowly into the soi
Pruning
Leaves may develop areas of brown or dead tissue leaf scorch due to too much exposure to sun. Ends of leaves die back in autumn or winter. This is a natural condition. Simply trim them off.
Fertilizer
These species also benefit from regular fertilizer as many bloom almost continuously indoors. Low levels of soluble fertilizer once a month is usually sufficient for most species.
Sunlight
For healthy plants and abundant blooms, your gesneriads must have good, bright light.
Soil
Josh's Frogs Gesneriad Soil is a special mixture of peat, vermiculite and perlite. This mix is formulated for quick drainage and will allow air to get to the roots which is key to good plant health.
Temperature
Ideal temperatures range from 60-80 F as this mimics air temperatures in their native environment. Air temperatures below 55 F may damage the leaves of some species. Cold water temperatures may also damage small roots, especially on African violet. A streptocarpella is an everblooming type of gesneriads.
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