Calceolaria Care: How to Grow Pocketbook Plants

The Calceolaria plant, often called the “Pocketbook Plant” or “Slipper Flower,” is a favorite for adding a splash of color indoors. Its distinctive pouch-shaped flowers can be speckled or bicolored in vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. These blossoms rise above soft, arrow-shaped green foliage, making them a popular choice for gifts and seasonal decoration.

Calceolaria Care Essentials

Light

Calceolaria flourishes in bright, indirect sunlight, so a spot near a window that doesn’t get direct sun is ideal. Intense rays can scorch the delicate leaves and flowers. If you notice any discoloration or burning on the foliage, the plant is receiving too much direct light. Move it to a location with more shade, especially during hot afternoon hours.

Water

Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. When the top inch of soil feels dry, it is time to water. Watering from the bottom is recommended; place the pot in a tray of water and allow the soil to absorb moisture. This method avoids getting the leaves and flowers wet, which helps prevent rot.

Soil

Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. This type of medium retains necessary moisture without becoming overly saturated, ensuring roots have access to both water and air. For container planting, a mix that includes compost or peat moss provides a good growing environment.

Temperature and Humidity

Pocketbook Plants thrive in cool temperatures, between 60-65°F (15-18°C) during the day and 50-55°F at night. Placing the plant in a cooler part of your home is beneficial. These plants also appreciate moderate humidity; you can increase ambient moisture by placing the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Fertilizer

Fertilize only when the plant is actively blooming. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength every two weeks to support its energy needs. Add the diluted fertilizer during watering to avoid direct contact with the foliage. Stop fertilizing once the blooming season is over.

Managing Blooms and Plant Lifespan

Calceolaria is often enjoyed as a temporary houseplant, much like a poinsettia, for its seasonal burst of color. These plants are sold at their peak and are often discarded after they finish flowering. This is because getting them to rebloom in a typical home environment is challenging due to their specific cool-temperature requirements.

To make the most of the initial flowering period, remove spent blossoms. This practice, known as deadheading, encourages the plant to direct its energy toward producing new flowers rather than seeds by snipping off the old blooms at the stem.

Common Problems with Calceolaria

Root Rot

Root rot is a frequent issue for Calceolaria, caused by overwatering or poor drainage. When the soil remains soggy for extended periods, the roots are deprived of oxygen and begin to decay. To prevent this, ensure your pot has adequate drainage holes. You should also allow the top layer of soil to dry out slightly between waterings, as detailed in the care instructions above.

Pests

These plants can attract common indoor pests such as aphids and whiteflies. These small insects are found on the undersides of leaves or on new growth. If you spot an infestation, it can be managed with a simple solution of insecticidal soap. Regularly inspecting your plant for any signs of pests will help you catch problems early and treat them before they become widespread.

Sudden Wilting or Decline

Sudden wilting or decline is a reaction to an environmental stressor. The most common culprits are temperatures that are too warm or improper watering. Since wilting can be a sign of both overwatering and underwatering, check the soil moisture to determine the cause before taking action.