Gesneriad (pronounced either “guess-NARE-ee-ad” or “jez-NARE-ee-ad”) is a large family of plants containing over 3,500 species, including one of the world’s most popular houseplants, the African Violet. They are celebrated by indoor gardeners because they are often “pet-friendly” (non-toxic) and can produce stunning, colorful blooms even in the relatively low light of a typical home.

What is a Gesneriad?

Gesneriads are primarily defined by their flowers, which have petals that are joined at the base to form a tube, which can vary from very short (African Violets) to long and tube-like (Sinningia). Another feature is that their flowers are usually “bilateral,” meaning they can be divided into two equal mirror-image halves. They typically have two small upper lobes and three larger bottom lobes. Many have soft, fuzzy leaves and rhizomes that store water and energy. These plants can go dormant for periods, especially when water becomes scarce. Others stay leafed out all the time. In addition to the African Violet, the Gesneriads here include Sinningia, Nematanthus, Aeschynanthus (all three of which can be grown outside here at the coast), Streptocarpus and Episcia

Gesneriad Varieties and Care

Saintpaulia

Native to the cloud forests of East Africa, Saintpaulia are more commonly known as African Violets. They are compact perennials, prized for their velvety, rosette-forming leaves and their vibrant, flowers that can appear nearly year-round. These can do ok in terrariums if given proper drainage.

African Violet Care
Difficulty	Easy
Light	African violets thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near a north or east-facing window where they can receive filtered sunlight. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If natural light is insufficient, you can use fluorescent lights to supplement.
Temperature	Keep the temperature consistently between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and no lower than 60°F (15°C) at night. African violets are sensitive to temperature extremes, so avoid placing them near drafts or heaters.
Water	African violets prefer to be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plants from the bottom by placing the pot in a saucer of water and allowing the soil to absorb moisture. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent water spots. Use room temperature water.

Nematanthus

Known as the “Goldfish Plant,” this Brazilian native produces unique, pouch-shaped flowers that resemble swimming goldfish. Its trailing stems are covered in small, waxy, succulent-like leaves, making it a visually striking choice for hanging baskets.

Nematanthus Care
Difficulty	Easy
Light	Requires bright, indirect light to encourage blooming. Low light may result in leggy growth and fewer “goldfish” flowers.
Temperature	Prefers stable room temperatures between 65°F and 75°F. High humidity (50-80%) is beneficial and helps prevent spider mites. Can grow outside here at the coast with some protection from the elements.
Water	Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Allow for slightly more drying in winter to stimulate spring blooms.

Aeschynanthus

These Southeast Asian epiphytes earned their name from vibrant red flower buds that emerge from dark, tube-like sheaths like a stick of lipstick. They feature a graceful cascading habit with leathery, pointed leaves that store water, reflecting their natural lifestyle growing on tropical tree branches.

Aeschynanthus Care
Difficulty	Moderate
Light	Best in bright, filtered light. A position near an east-facing window provides the gentle morning sun needed for its tubular red flowers to develop.
Temperature	Thrives in warm environments (65°F-75°F). High humidity is essential—mist regularly or use a humidifier to mimic its native rainforest habitat.
Water	Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. As an epiphyte, it needs excellent drainage; use a coarse potting mix and allow the top couple of inches to dry between waterings.

Sinningia

This diverse genus from South America. Most species grow from specialized tubers that allow the plant to store energy and survive seasonal dry periods through dormancy. This tuber can become quite architectural, making quite a display for the plant grower.

Sinningia Care
Difficulty	Moderate
Light	Prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.
Temperature	Keep the temperature consistently between 65-75°F (18-24°C) during the day and no lower than 60°F (15°C) at night. African violets are sensitive to temperature extremes, so avoid placing them near drafts or heaters.
Water	Keep the soil lightly moist while actively growing. Many species grow from tubers and require a dry dormancy period; reduce watering significantly when foliage dies back to prevent tuber rot.

Episcia

Often called "Flame Violets," these tropical groundcovers are celebrated for their stunning, metallic-toned foliage and bright, trumpet-shaped blooms. They spread horizontally via runners called stolons, which can quickly form a lush, iridescent carpet or cascade beautifully from a container. They are excellent for underplanting indoor trees. Plant them in the pot below trunked plants like palms and let them fill in the pot to cover the dirt. Choose a tree that likes similar conditions like palms, Natal Mahogany or Schefflera. Episcias make excellent terrarium plants for a medium to large sized terrarium as well.

Episcia Care
Difficulty	Moderate (easy here at the coast)
Light	Prefers very bright, indirect or filtered light. Too much direct sun fades the vibrant, metallic foliage, while too little light stops blooming.
Temperature	Extremely sensitive to cold; keep temperatures above 65°F at all times. Requires high humidity (at least 50%, ideally higher) to prevent brown leaf edges – which is not an issue here at the coast but may become problematic inland.
Water	Maintain consistent moisture, watering with lukewarm water when the soil surface feels dry. Avoid getting water on the sensitive, fuzzy leaves to prevent spotting.

Streptocarpus

Streptocarpus, often called Cape Primrose, has elegant, trumpet-shaped blooms that can last for several months. Native to the wooded mountain regions of South Africa’s Cape Province, these plants are popular as houseplants because they are resilient, easy to propagate, and thrive in standard indoor environments.

Streptocarpus Care
Difficulty	Easy to Moderate
Light	Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch. East or west-facing windows are ideal.
Temperature	Protect from drafts and temperatures below 50°F. Temperatures over 80°F can cause heat stress.
Water	Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot.

This plant is
PET FRIENDLY!