Sinningia leucotricha Blooming-Size Tuber - Rare African Violet Relative

Description: Sinningia leucotricha A wonderful and underutilized African Violet Relative (Gesneriad), Sinningia leucotricha makes a unique and attractive houseplant and conversation piece. Though tuberous, it is considered by many as a succulent, and is encountered in succulent collections for, once mature, it is able to withstand periods of dryness – unlike its more water-sensitive cousins. The tubers of this Brazilian native may naturally reach 12” across but, in cultivation, are generally much smaller. The plants are deciduous, dropping their leaves in the fall. In spring, several fuzzy stems will arise from the tuber, and will form 2-3 pairs of opposite leaves. Each leaf is a tactile plant lover’s dream – for they are covered in soft and silky, silver fuzz. The leaves slowly expand to about 6” long and 4” wide and, in late spring, clusters of deep salmon-orange, tubular flowers are born in the center. As the flowers fade, so does the silver on the foliage, after which they will gradually dry and drop off, separating from the tuber. Sometimes the leaves will hold on until new foliage emerges. With good culture, sometimes this process will occur throughout the year, rather than being totally seasonal. The plants prefer a very bright, shaded spot – if protected, early morning and very late afternoon sun are ok – just no hot sun, or the soft leaves will fry! When mature, the plants like growing in a cactus and succulent type potting mix. They will accept short periods of dryness, but too much wet will rot them quickly. Avoid watering the leaves, as the water will mar the silvery foliage – only water the soil and tuber. My mother plants are over 30 years old and are growing in an unheated succulent house in zone 9. The temperature drops into the upper-30s in winter, and rarely goes above 85 in summer. (Though, I do recommend keeping them above 45 degrees in winter). My plants are allowed to moderately dry out between watering and remain almost completely dry in winter (but only if completely dormant). Once the new growth resumes in spring, regular watering commences. This offering is for one young, blooming-size tuber. Shipped bareroot - ready to plant into a 4" pot. I have been growing rare and exotic plants for nearly 50 years, and take great pride in what I grow and ship. All photos are of plants in my own garden and collection, unless stated otherwise. (The third photo has been borrowed from the internet.) NO INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING - SORRY - I ONLY SHIP TO THE US. I do combine shipping for multiple items - please request a new shipping total before checking out. Please Note: requesting combined shipping can not be done on a phone - the request must be made from a computer or tablet. (For some reason, the ebay phone app doesn't allow it. ) I automatically combine shipping for multiple orders - Before ordering, please read all information under the STORE POLICIES section, regarding Shipping and Handling Fees and Combined Shipping. Thank you! Upon arrival of the seeds/cutting/plant, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. I want you to be happy with your purchase and to have the greatest success in its cultivation! Robert

Price: 16 USD

Location: Fort Bragg, California

End Time: 2024-12-11T15:44:44.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD