Watering, fertilizing, cutting & more

Which location does the slipper flower prefer?

Slipper flowers are ideal if you want to plant a (light) shady to partially shaded balcony or if you want to bring some color to a rather dark apartment. The plants prefer a partially shaded to shady location and do not get along well with too much direct sun. In addition, the location should be cool rather than warm.

Which substrate does the slipper flower need?

A loose, very well drained and nutrient-rich (humus) soil with high gravel or Sand content, although this should be slightly acidic and low in lime at the same time.

For which cultivation is the slipper flower particularly suitable?

Annual Calceolaria hybrids are mostly used for indoor cultivation, which bloom on the windowsill throughout the winter and eventually die off after the blooming period. For a culture on the balcony respectively. In the garden, on the other hand, various perennial, sometimes even winter-hardy species come into question:

• Calceolaria arachnoidea
• Calceolaria cavanillesii
• Calceolaria biflora
• Calceolaria falklandica

How should you water the slipper flower?

Slipper flowers have a fairly high water requirement and must not dry out. You should therefore water the plants regularly, but avoid waterlogging.

Should you fertilize the slipper flower?

For potted plants, a (rather weak) fertilization with a liquid one is suitable Flower fertilizer,(€ 71.80 at Amazon *) which is done about every one to two weeks. Planted specimens are satisfied with organic fertilizer, for example compost.

Do you have to cut slipper flowers?

A pruning is not necessary, only that which has withered away should be removed regularly.

How can the slipper flower be propagated?

Slipper flowers can go through sowing or cuttings are propagated, perennial shrubs sometimes by division. Cuttings are made in autumn, after flowering, cut and overwintered.

Which diseases / pests are common in the slipper flower?

Unfortunately, the slipper flowers cultivated as house plants are particularly susceptible to attack by aphids, whiteflies and Spider mites.

Is it worth it to overwinter slipper flowers?

Perennial slipper flowers are best overwintered frost-free, but cool and bright. Winter hardy varieties can - provided with winter protection - remain outdoors.