Described by Chautems in Gesneriana in 1995, this tuberous Sinningia from São Paulo state in southeastern Brazil anchors itself in cracks of rock outcrops and cliffs. A large woody caudex sits half-exposed on the rock surface — reaching around 15 cm across — and from its crown rise bright green, heart-shaped, wrinkled leaves edged in white hairs. Slender tubular flowers in dusky red appear at the apex in late spring and early summer. Same cliff-dwelling lineage as the better-known S. leucotricha, but a more recent introduction to the trade and an emerging caudex Sinningia for hobbyist seed-growers.
Native climate
Rainfall is spread fairly evenly across the year. Overall a mild climate.
* Accurate distribution data is scarce for this species, so these values are taken from the climate near the approximate center of its native range instead.
Sources: climate & elevation WorldClim 2.1 (1970–2000) · occurrences GBIF · native range POWO · current weather Open-Meteo
Care
Light & Placement
A cliff-dwelling caudiciform from rocky outcrops in São Paulo state, it likes bright light but — like leucotricha — dislikes the harsh midsummer sun of lowland Japan. In active growth, half-shade or 30–50% shade keeps the leaf petioles short and lets the diagnostic white-edged hairs develop properly. Through Japan's midsummer, prioritize airflow and bench placement, and avoid the combination of afternoon direct sun with high heat and humidity. After leaf drop, move to a bright spot sheltered from rain or to a sunny indoor windowsill.
Watering
In active growth, water thoroughly once the topsoil dries — but a leucotricha-style rhythm will rot the caudex. As leaves fade in autumn, taper off; through the dormant period stay dry, with at most a light monthly misting.
Substrate
Drainage and aeration first, inorganic-led: Akadama : Kanuma : pumice = 4:3:3 in a deeper pot, with the upper half of the caudex exposed. As a cliff-dweller, it tolerates being slightly root-bound.
Fertilizer & Supplements
Lightly diluted liquid feed once a month in active growth, or a pinch of slow-release at repotting. Overfeeding produces oversized leaves and softens the caudex silhouette.
Temperature & Overwintering
Optimal 15–28°C, 5°C minimum. A 4–6 week cool spell at 5–10°C in winter helps trigger flower-bud set. Damp soil with cold temperatures rots the caudex fast — keep bone-dry on a bright indoor window after leaf drop.
Starting from Seed
Where to source seeds
links go directly to the product page; the rest are scientific-name searches. Stock fluctuates — verify availability on the destination site.
Pre-sowing treatment
Seeds are dust-fine — handle carefully with tweezers or a fine brush tip, dropping one seed at a time onto the surface. A pre-soak is impractical at this size; instead, use a mix of a registered seed-treatment fungicide (Benlate or Daconil) and a plant tonic (Menedael; outside Japan, SUPERthrive or a chelated iron / seaweed extract works similarly), each diluted per label, as the bottom-water tray after sowing — this covers both damping-off prevention and gentle germination support.
Substrate
A near-sterile, fine-grained seedling mix: fine Akadama, fine Kanuma, vermiculite at 1:1:1. A thin layer of chopped sphagnum on top helps anchor the tiny seed. Sterilize the mix with boiling water beforehand.
Sowing method
Surface sow — no covering — and press the seed lightly onto moistened substrate. Cover with a clear lid or vented plastic wrap to hold humidity until germination.
Light & temperature
Bright shade or LEDs at 20–25°C. Above 25°C germination falls off and rot sets in. Expect germination in two weeks to a month. Germination depends heavily on seed freshness, and even fresh seed stays on the lower side.
Watering
Bottom-water with the level 1–2 cm up the pot. Top watering washes the dust-fine seed away, so stay strictly with the bottom-water method through germination.
Fertilizer
No feeding right after germination. Once 2–3 pairs of true leaves develop, give a heavily diluted liquid feed once a month at most. Early feeding causes etiolation and rot.
From Germination to Repotting
Germination through true leaves
Continue bottom watering, avoid strong light.
Weaning off bottom watering
Taper over two to three months.
First repotting
In year one, once the tuber reaches the size of a fingertip.
Common Pitfalls
Mold & damping-off
- Cause: heat with humidity, contamination, poor airflow
- Prevention: sterilize substrate, keep below 25°C, refresh bottom-water often
Etiolation
- Cause: insufficient light, hot bottom-water combination
- Prevention: bring LEDs closer and hold 20–25°C. As a cliff-dweller, weak light makes the petioles run away fast
Seeds fail to germinate
- Cause: stale seed, excess heat, covered too deep
- Prevention: buy fresh seed in small batches, stay at 20–25°C, and surface-sow for light germination
Notes
Burying the caudex too deep causes rot.
