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.
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Which substrate does the slipper flower need?
A loose, very permeable and nutrient-rich (humus) soil with a high gravel or sand content is ideal, although it should also be slightly acidic and low in lime.
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 finally die off after the blooming period. For a culture on the balcony or garden, on the other hand, various perennial, sometimes even hardy species come into question:
- Calceolaria arachnoidea
- Calceolaria cavanillesii
- Calceolaria biflora
- Calceolaria falklandica
How should you water the slipper flower?
Slipper flowers need a lot of water and should 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 flower fertilizer is suitable (€ 13.27 at Amazon *), which is carried out 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 off should be removed regularly.
How can the slipper flower be propagated?
Slipper flowers can be propagated by sowing or cuttings, perennial shrubs sometimes by dividing them. Cuttings are cut and overwintered in autumn, after flowering.
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.
Tips
Slipper flowers cultivated as houseplants usually only live about six to eight weeks. So make sure you get supplies in good time by repeatedly pulling new cuttings.
