Scientific Name
Calceolaria crenatiflora Cav.
Common Name(s)
Pocket Book Flower, Pocket Book Plant, Sliperwort, Poor Man's Orchid, Pouch Flower
Synonym(s)
Calceolaria anomala, Calceolaria cunninghamii, Calceolaria hollermayeri, Calceolaria knypersliensis, Calceolaria mirabilis, Calceolaria pendula, Fagelia crenatiflora
Scientific Classification
Family: Calceolariaceae
Genus: Calceolaria
Flower
Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Description
Calceolaria crenatiflora is a tropical plant with perfect bulb-pouched yellow flowers dotted and streaked with maroon. It grows up to 18 inches (45 cm) tall. The numerous flowers are typically yellow but are often speckled and spotted with maroon. The simple green leaves are bright green and can remain semi-evergreen, where winters are mild and moist. Flowers bloom early in the season, usually from spring to early summer. The pouch-shaped flowers are bulbous and elongated with scalloped lobes. At the top of each pouch is opening bees enter to pollinate the flowers. The opening is dotted and streaked with maroon markings. Small seed capsules follow pollination.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
While this annual can be grown indoors and out, the most popular use may be a potted houseplant. Once you look into the native environment for this bright flower, you'll know how to grow Pocketbook Plant. It comes from Central and South America in the cooler plains areas where water and bright sunlight aren't so abundant. Calceolaria care works best when you try to imitate its native home.
Keep the plant near a bright window but out of direct sunlight. If your only window is on a sunny southern exposure, hang a sheer curtain between the plant and outdoors to filter the brightest rays. Northern windows and tables away from the light source are more hospitable for these plants.
Pocketbook Plant care includes carefully monitoring the water supply. These plants don't do well with too much moisture on their roots. Give the plants a thorough watering, then let the pots drain in the sink for about 10 minutes. Allow the soil to dry out until the surface is dry before watering again.
See more at How to Grow and Care for Pocketbook Plants (Calceolaria).
Origin
This species is native to Chile.
Hybrids
Links
- Back to genus Calceolaria
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
Photo Gallery
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