How to Grow Calceolaria? Detailed Guide to Planting Methods and Precautions

Calceolaria is a flower introduced into China from abroad, and it is a flower that combines ornamental value and practical use. Calceolaria is now very popular with consumers, and quite a few people want to grow it. However, if you do not learn about its planting methods in advance, many problems may arise during the cultivation of Calceolaria.

How to Grow Calceolaria

1. Sowing method. Calceolaria is generally propagated mainly by sowing, with a small amount done by cuttings. Sowing is mostly carried out at the end of August and the beginning of September, when the climate gradually turns cool. The growing medium is prepared from 6 parts leaf mold plus 4 parts river sand. Sow directly by broadcasting in a “shallow pot” or “shallow seedling tray” without covering with soil, water by the “pot-bottom immersion method”, then cover with glass or plastic film to seal the opening and maintain 13-15°C; seedlings emerge after one week. After emergence, remove the glass or plastic film promptly to allow ventilation and prevent damping-off disease. Gradually expose them to light so the seedlings grow strong, and keep the room temperature below 20°C. When the seedlings have grown 2 true leaves, transplant them into separate pots.

2. Ventilation and shading. Calceolaria likes cool conditions, and its optimum growing temperature is around 10°C. If the stems and leaves grow luxuriantly during the growing period, while the potting soil is too wet and the air is stuffy and hot, the base of the plant will rot. To lower the temperature, shading measures are often taken at noon to create a ventilated and cool environment. Especially after flowering in spring until the seeds mature in May to June, ventilation must be done well, and shading at noon helps the seeds develop and mature.

3. Watering and fertilizing. Calceolaria likes a warm and humid environment, but it dislikes excessively wet potting soil and too much watering at flowering. Generally, water only when the potting soil is dry; if it is in a greenhouse, spraying water frequently to increase air humidity is even better. Do not water directly onto the plant, because if water accumulates on the leaves and buds, it easily causes rot. During the pre-flowering growing season, apply decomposed cake fertilizer water once every 10 days (diluted 10 times), and at the early flowering stage increase the application of phosphorus-based fertilizer. When fertilizing, do not let the fertilizer water contaminate the leaves, so as to avoid rotting of the heart and leaves.

Calceolaria Planting Methods

1. Seed sowing. For the preparation beforehand, the substrate is suitably a growing medium mixed with leaf mold and fine sandy soil, at a mixing ratio of about 4:1. After sifting it finely, put it into a relatively shallow sowing box. First place charcoal residue or coarse sand at the bottom of the box, about 2 cm thick, then add about 2 cm of coarse residue, and finally spread fine soil on the top layer, about 2-3 cm thick. After leveling, disinfect the soil; you can water the soil with a mixture of 50% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate at 800 times diluted with 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 1000 times. Alternatively, disinfect by respectively stir-frying the growing medium, coarse sand, etc.

2. Sowing method. After disinfection, rinse away the residual liquid medicine with clean water, and water in a 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate solution. Sowing is generally done by broadcasting. Because Calceolaria seeds are very small, they should not be sown too densely, otherwise it is unfavorable for seedling emergence and growth. Mix the seeds with a small amount of fine soil or fine sand and evenly scatter them into the sowing box. Note that the covering soil must not be too thick; not covering with soil is also acceptable. After sowing, cover with glass or a layer of film to retain moisture, and place the sowing box in a well-ventilated shade shed. When the seedlings grow 2-3 leaves, they can be transplanted, and at the same time placed in a shaded place to recover; after about one week they can grow normally.

Precautions for Calceolaria

1. Soil requirements. Strictly speaking, Calceolaria has relatively strict soil requirements, and if the soil is unsuitable, it cannot be grown well no matter what. You should choose loose, well-aerated, well-drained sandy soil rich in humus. In addition, add a small amount of bone meal or base fertilizer to the soil, and disinfect the soil before use.

2. Shading is very important. Appropriate light can promote flowering in Calceolaria, but it can also cause premature flower drop. Note that when caring for it indoors, shade it before October; from October to March of the following year no shading is needed; after flowering, avoid direct strong light.

Calceolaria Cutting Method

Besides the sowing method above, a small number of plants need to be propagated by cuttings. First, we can find a relatively thick rhizome from its plant, then cut it off together, and afterwards insert them together into the prepared potting soil. After inserting, we should give it appropriate shading and moisture retention. Basically, before long it will begin to take root, and once the roots have grown, we can transplant it. However, because the survival rate of cuttings is very low, it is seldom used.

The planting method for Calceolaria is actually fairly simple: first understand its growth habits, then choose suitable soil for sowing. In the later stage of sowing, do a good job with fertilizer and water, and in summer shading treatment is needed, as it should not be exposed to direct sunlight for a long time. Only in this way can Calceolaria grow healthily.