Sinningia ‘Arkansas Bells’ is a captivating plant that brings vibrant color and unique form to any garden or indoor collection. This tuberous perennial, part of the Gesneriaceae family, is celebrated for its abundant blooms and straightforward care, making it an appealing choice for many plant enthusiasts. Its charm lies in its striking appearance and ability to thrive under specific conditions, rewarding growers with a spectacular display.
Distinctive Features of Sinningia Arkansas Bells
Sinningia ‘Arkansas Bells’ has thick, fuzzy green leaves forming a clump up to 3 feet wide, often with impressed veins. Its foliage highlights the striking flowers.
From April through summer, the plant produces abundant tall spikes (up to 3 feet) with pinkish-red tubular flowers. These bell-shaped corollas are pink externally, white internally, and edged with pink. As a tuberous perennial, it grows shrub-like during its active season. This hybrid, a cross between Sinningia sellovii and Sinningia tubiflora, developed by Dr. Jon Lindstrom at the University of Arkansas.
Optimal Care for Sinningia Arkansas Bells
Light Requirements
Sinningia ‘Arkansas Bells’ thrives in bright, indirect light, like an African violet. An east, west, or north-facing window is ideal for soft morning or late afternoon sun. Direct midday sun can scorch leaves and hinder flowering. Outdoors, partial sun to shade provides filtered light.
Watering Practices
Watering is important for Sinningia ‘Arkansas Bells’, given its tuberous roots. Allow soil to dry visually between waterings, then saturate until water drains. Overwatering causes root rot; prolonged dryness stresses the plant. During winter dormancy, reduce or stop watering, only misting occasionally to prevent tuber drying. Resume regular watering when new leaves appear.
Humidity and Temperature
Sinningia ‘Arkansas Bells’ prefers a warm environment and moderate to high humidity. Maintain indoor temperatures above 60°F (15.5°C). Summer temperatures between 71.6-75.2°F (22-24°C) are suitable; winter temperatures should remain above 53.6°F (12°C). Humidity levels should be above 50%, achievable with a tray of wet pebbles. Misting in early morning is an option, but avoid wetting flowers.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining soil mix prevents waterlogging and promotes healthy tuber development. A suitable blend is potting soil, sand (2:1 ratio), and perlite for drainage. The plant prefers mildly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6-7). When repotting, use a clay pot to aid drainage. Plant the tuber just below the soil surface, crown of leaves slightly above the mix.
Fertilization
During active growth and blooming, fertilize Sinningia ‘Arkansas Bells’ regularly. Apply a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every two to four weeks at half strength. This provides nutrients for robust growth and flowering. As the plant prepares for dormancy in fall, reduce and cease fertilization entirely during winter.
Multiplying Sinningia Arkansas Bells
Propagate Sinningia ‘Arkansas Bells’ via seeds, leaf cuttings, or tuber division. For seeds, sprinkle fine seeds on a moist, well-draining seed-starting mix and lightly press them in; they need light for germination. Cover the container with a clear lid or plastic wrap to maintain high humidity.
For leaf cuttings, cut a healthy leaf with a short petiole and insert it into a moist, well-draining rooting medium. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag or humidity dome for root development. New plantlets emerge from the leaf base after several weeks. Tuber division is possible during repotting. Carefully divide the tuber, ensuring each section has a growth point, then replant.
Addressing Common Challenges
Sinningia ‘Arkansas Bells’ growers may face root rot from overwatering or poor drainage. Prevent this with proper watering, allowing soil to dry between waterings, and using a well-aerated potting mix. Yellowing leaves or stunted growth indicate nutrient deficiencies, improper watering, or insufficient light. Adjusting fertilization, watering frequency, or light exposure resolves issues.
Lack of blooms results from inadequate light, incorrect watering, or nutrient imbalance. Provide bright, indirect light and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer during blooming to encourage flowering. Pests like aphids, spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs affect Sinningia. Regularly inspect and promptly treat infestations with horticultural solutions. Crown rot and gray mold occur if leaves remain wet; water the soil directly and ensure good air circulation.