Diminutive Phinaea From Seed

One of the most enjoyable aspects of growing gesneriads is the ease with which new plants can be grown from seed. And one of the benefits of membership in The Gesneriad Society is access to an extensive list of seed, both species and assorted hybrid crosses. 

I planted a batch of different seeds from the TGS Seed Fund at the end of February, including the two species mentioned in this post. After about five weeks, the strongest seedlings of Phinaea multiflora 'Tracery' and Phinaea albolineata were moved into 3" pots, several to a pot. 

The first blooms on Phinaea multiflora 'Tracery' opened in early June. Phinaea albolineata followed in mid-July. 

Phinaea multiflora 'Tracery' and Phinaea albolineata

The plants are similar with small white, short-lived flowers and silver veined foliage. At the same time, they are quite unique. I am growing both on wicks, in the open on my light stands. They both also make wonderful terrarium plants.

When planting seed, I sprinkle some seed over the surface of moistened growing media and enclose. Some growers use a fine mix intended for seeds. For me, using my usual three-part mix (sphagnum peat, perlite vermiculite) works well, and simplifies the list of supplies needed to be kept on hand. Gesneriad seed is extremely small, so it's easy to end up planting way more than you intend — usually all concentrated in one spot in the pot.

Some gesneriad seed germinates quickly, these two plants were blooming within five months of sowing the seed. Other varieties may much longer. In fact, some take such a long time one may be tempted to throw out the pot before the seed gets going. I'll give a pot five or more months before I give up on the seed, longer if I don't need the space immediately.