Detailed Guide to Growing and Caring for Calceolaria

Calceolaria is also known as the pocketbook flower, because its shape resembles a pouch. Its stems and leaves are covered with fine, tiny hairs, and its leaves grow symmetrically, generally in yellow-green. Its flowers are divided into upper and lower lips, with rich, vivid colors and a very distinctive bloom.

Growing Methods

(1) Light

It likes light, but when the light is too strong, shade is necessary. During seedling growth, it should be shaded to avoid strong light exposure. Calceolaria is a long-day plant; after being moved into the greenhouse in November, if the light is increased by 6-8 hours per day, flowering can be advanced to the end of December. The yellow varieties of calceolaria set seed easily, while the red varieties require artificial supplementary pollination, otherwise they do not set seed easily.

(2) Temperature

It likes warmth, but does not tolerate high temperatures and is afraid of severe cold. It requires warm, humid conditions with good ventilation. The overwintering temperature must be kept above 5°C.

(3) Soil

The potting soil should preferably be slightly acidic, loose, well-aerated leaf mold.

(4) Watering

It dislikes excessive moisture, so follow the principle of letting the soil dry out and then watering thoroughly. Water only when the potting soil is dry, and use a fine-spouted watering can to pour water onto the potting soil. If water is sprayed directly onto the plant, the plant will rot at the crown and die. Overwatering can also cause root rot, yet relatively high air humidity is needed, so the ground pathways should be sprayed with water frequently. Do not spray water on cloudy days or at night, or when the flower spikes are emerging.

(5) Fertilizing

It likes fertilizer. After planting out, apply a dilute fertilizer once every 7-10 days. When fertilizing, be sure not to splash it on the leaf surface, otherwise the leaves are prone to developing blighted spots, which affects plant growth and ornamental value.

(6) Pest and Disease Control

Damping-off is common at the seedling stage. Preventive measures include soil sterilization, keeping the potting soil slightly dry, and appropriately increasing indoor ventilation. If the air in the greenhouse is too dry, red spider mites and aphids are likely to cause damage, and spraying a 1500-times dilution of dimethoate solution can be used for control.

Precautions for Growing Calceolaria

Strict Soil Requirements

Calceolaria has relatively strict soil requirements, and it cannot be grown well if the soil is unsuitable. Choose a 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 sterilize the soil before use. 

Shading Is Very Important

Appropriate light can promote flowering in calceolaria, but it can also cause premature flower drop. When caring for it indoors, note that shading is needed before October, no shading is needed from October to March of the following year, and direct strong light should be avoided after flowering.