Description
Calceolaria is a plant from Chile. It has a clump-forming habit and is grown as an annual. The slipper flower has opposite, egg-shaped leaves with scalloped edges, about 8 cm long. The flowers are two-lipped, with the lower lip shaped like a slipper or pouch. They are up to 4–5 cm across, in colours from yellow to brownish-red, often spotted and striped; single-coloured ones are also found.
Requirements
Calceolaria needs a bright position. The growing temperature should not be too high – ideally 14–20°C. It does well on north-facing windowsills and does not tolerate draughts.
Propagation
It can be propagated from seed sown in summer; the plants will flower the following year.
Care
Water fairly generously and do not let the compost dry out. Grow the slipper flower in multipurpose compost for container plants; it does not need feeding. Calceolaria is propagated by sowing seed in July or August, ideally in a cold greenhouse. You can try rooting shoots after flowering, but this method does not guarantee success.
When plants get sick
Aphids very often appear on the plants, feeding on the leaves and sucking out their sap.