Brazilian Bellflower Plant Care

Brazilian Bellflower (Gloxina erinoides) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Gloxina genus. Brazilian Bellflower is also known as Velvet Bellflower.

Brazilian Bellflower displays a low rosette, clumping habit growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Brazilian Bellflower produces trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors like red, purple, pink, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Brazilian Bellflower every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Brazilian Bellflower thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Brazilian Bellflower in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Gloxina erinoides tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Brazilian Bellflower prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, humus-rich soil with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Brazilian Bellflower to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Brazilian Bellflower every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, humus-rich soil with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Brazilian Bellflower is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Brazilian Bellflower can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Brazilian Bellflower while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Brazilian Bellflower is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Brazilian Bellflower can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division of offsets, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Brazilian Bellflower is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Brazilian Bellflower grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. In cooler regions, grow Brazilian Bellflower as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.