The exotic slipper flower owes its name to its bright yellow, distinctive flowers. As adorable houseplants, opulent Calceolaria hybrids have taken our hearts by storm. New breeds thrive in beds and on balconies. Here you can explore all the important aspects for successful cultivation based on well-founded answers to frequently asked questions.

The slipper flower brings bright splashes of color to the balcony and in the bed

Plant slipper flowers correctly

Only plant the garden slipper flower in the bed when the ice saints have said goodbye in mid-May. Choose a place in lime-free, humus-rich soil in a partially shaded, humid and rather cool location. In advance, soak the potted root ball in lime-free water until no more air bubbles rise. Meanwhile, dig spacious planting holes 20-30 cm apart to enrich the soil with leaf compost, horn shavings (€32.93) or bog soil. Plant the potted flowers so deep that the substrate reaches just under the lower pair of leaves. Finally, water with soft water and spread a layer of mulch.

care tips

The linchpin of a successful cultivation of slipper flowers is the choice of location. If all relevant framework conditions are met here, the care program is limited to the following points:

  • Keep the substrate evenly moist with lime-free water
  • Spray leaves and flowers repeatedly with a fine mist of soft water
  • Fertilize every 8-10 days during the growth and flowering period
  • Fertilize the garden slipper flower in the bed every 14 days with acidic leaf compost and horn shavings

Withered flower stalks are trimmed regularly for months of flowering. Shortly before the end of annual indoor calceolaria, harvest the seeds or take cuttings for propagation. If you have winter storage for the garden slipper flower, cut back the plant by a maximum of two thirds and put it in the dark, cool basement. Water lightly and do not apply fertilizer until next spring. In April, repot the overwintered plant and gradually get it used to more light and higher temperatures.
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Which location is suitable?

All Calceolaria species prefer a bright, not full sun location with temperatures between 16 and 18 degrees Celsius. Even under ideal lighting conditions, the sensitive beauties do not tolerate cold drafts, bad room air and certainly no tobacco smoke. The exotic plants feel in good hands on the north window, on the semi-shady to shady balcony and in the cool bed with little light.

What soil does the plant need?

The slipper flower likes to stretch out its delicate roots in humus-rich, well-drained and primarily lime-free soil. In order to meet these requirements in indoor and pot culture, we recommend using bog bed soil as a substrate. If you like to mix it yourself, add 1 part garden soil and 1 part standard or azalea soil, 2 parts leaf compost and some lava granules.(13.99€)

When is flowering time?

The lush Calceolaria hybrids for indoor culture delight us with a winter flowering period from January to May. After that, the plants die. In contrast, the garden slipper flower (Calceolaria integrifolia) or the two-flowered slipper flower (Calceolaria biflora) are in the limelight in the bed and on the balcony from June to August/September. In order for the tropical flowers to last over this long period of time, cut off withered flower stalks in a timely manner to just above the next bud.
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Properly cut slipper flower

Regularly clean an annual cultivated slipper flower to make room for new flowers. Place the sharp, disinfected scissors just above the nearest bud. If overwintering is planned, cut back the plant vigorously by half to two-thirds before putting it away. In addition, no cutting measures are required.

Water slipper flower

During the growth and flowering period, water the slipper flower evenly with soft water. Avoid overhead irrigation at all costs so that the delicate flowers are not damaged. The distinctive flowers are immensely grateful for a very fine mist of filtered rainwater.

Fertilize slipper flowers properly

In the pot and flower box (€16.99) the nutrient reserves are quickly used up. Therefore, fertilize the slipper flower every 8-10 days during its growth and flowering period with a liquid, low-lime preparation. In the bed, the exotic grace will gladly accept a portion of leaf compost with horn shavings every 14 days.

hibernate

Native to the sun-drenched regions of South America, a slipper flower lacks any hardiness. As a result, the exotic plant is mostly cultivated as an annual in our regions, especially since it is quite cheap to buy. However, robust species such as the garden slipper flower (Calceolaria integrifolia) have the potential to overwinter. Place the cut plants in the bright, cool basement. Water occasionally without giving fertilizer.

Propagating slipper flower

At the end of its flowering period, the slipper flower presents us with small capsule fruits, bulging with fine seeds. The seeds obtained can be sown between December and February. Do not cover the light germinators with substrate and ideally place the seed pots in the heatable indoor greenhouse. At a constant 18 degrees Celsius, keep the soil constantly slightly moist. After germination, the temperature is lowered to 12-14 degrees Celsius. Prick out the strongest seedlings in individual pots if they have at least 2 pairs of leaves. Of course, we can only look forward to the first flowering of seedlings propagated slipper flowers in the following year.

Propagation by cuttings is easier. To do this, cut off 5-7 cm short, non-flowering side shoots during the flowering period and defoliate the lower part. In small pots with lean substrate, you can keep the Calceolaria on the partially shaded window sill at 14-18 degrees Celsius.

Slipper flower in pot

On the flower bench by the north or west window, the tropical slipper flower conjures up a bright bloom in the middle of the cold season. Cultivation in pots will go smoothly if you take the following measures to heart:

  • Use a slightly acidic, loose and nutrient-rich substrate, such as azalea or ericaceous soil
  • A potsherd above the floor opening effectively prevents waterlogging
  • Water the slipper flower evenly and spray it regularly with lime-free water
  • Fertilize with liquid every 8-10 days from January to May

Clean wilted flower stalks consistently so that the plant does not deal with the energy-sapping seed growth. At the end of their heyday, the opulent calceolaria breathe out their floral life and are disposed of.

Is slipper flower poisonous?

With a probability bordering on certainty, the slipper flower is not poisonous. Since there is still a lack of scientifically based knowledge in this regard, we still advise against using the pretty flowers to decorate food and drinks or for consumption.
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Beautiful varieties

  • Goldbukett: An innovative new breed with golden-yellow flowers that impresses in the bed and on the balcony; 20-25cm
  • Goldari: Valuable F1 hybrid, robust, richly blooming in bright yellow; ideal for flower borders and the balcony; 30 cm
  • Goldcap: The dwarf variety impresses with yellow, red dotted flowers and a compact habit; 10-15cm
  • Sunset Orange Bicolor: Premium variety with yellow-orange spots, large flowers for beds, balconies and windowsills; 25-30cm

Category:

Vegetable garden