An indestructible (Deep Purple) Sinningia hybrid

This was sent to me as a tiny plant by a friend from Singapore back in 2012, I believe. It grew slowly at first but when it finally did recover, it quickly branched out and began producing flowers in just a few months after acquisition. Within the first year it produced the characteristic above-ground caudex-like tuber that the genus is known for. This storage organ is most definitely the reason why sinningias have also found their way in succulent collections.

I was informed that this plant is a hybrid, but I am at a loss about the possible name or parentage. Let's call it Deep Purple instead (I am actually listening to Deep Purple's Child in Time as I write this). At any rate, the flowers satisfy my penchant for the color purple.

Typical for many sinningias, the leaves have a soft and downy indumentum. In deep thoughts I would sometimes find myself stroking its leaves as I look into the sky 😁

The leaf undersides are purple

 Once this plant begins to flower, it won't stop until the vegetative growth starts to die back, usually around December to February. However, it does not have a clear dormancy period as even during supposed rest, the tuber is apt to produce a few stems, albeit shorter and thinner. In such periods, it is best to keep watering to a minimum and allow the soil to dry out for at least a couple of days before watering again.

See the tuber?

 I never really had the inclination to propagate the plant until I did so last year. And so out of the two plants one became the mother plant; I suppose it would not be bad if I introduce it to local cultivation instead of keeping it all for myself, wouldn't it? This plant below is the mom plant, with its tuber clearly exposed. I figured that someone with any Sinningia, whether a species or a hybrid, can turn it into a looker using a really nice glazed pot.

Some of the rooted cuttings I have produced so far. I must admit, some cuttings fail to strike. But those that do quickly become self-sustaining. Anyway, as you can see one is already in bloom:

So how do I maintain these plants? They grow more lush in partial shade, but there was one full year when I placed them side by side with my cacti and other succulents. The sinningias responded by growing shorter stems and smaller leaves- really sparse-looking but I loved how the caudex-like tuber was exposed. However, when I finally decided to propagate the plants I figured that 2 or 3 stems per plant won't provide me with a maximum yield, so I finally placed them together with the begonias where they grew more exuberantly. However, I could see the tubers no more. I think I am going to move at least one of my propagations back with the cacti.

For their soil I use a very porous mix that is mostly pumice and gravel, with some organic matter. During the growing period they demand lots of water. If you are not giving them enough, the plants will tell you by their leaves going limp. However, you have to be a really terrible gardener to kill a plant like this.

 It is unfortunate that sinningias- or most other gesneriads for that matter- aren't so well known in the Philippines. And those few Sinningia species and hybrids that make their way into the market are so ridiculously priced to be out of reach for the everyday gardener. Maybe we can change that a bit.

P.S.

If anyone among you knows the name of this hybrid, please inform me.