Calceolaria australis Plant Care

Calceolaria australis (Calceolaria australis) belongs to the Calceolariaceae family within the Calceolaria genus. Calceolaria australis is native to Ecuador.

Calceolaria australis displays a compact, mounding habit growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 0.5 ft. Calceolaria australis produces unique pouch-shaped flowers in various colors.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Calceolaria australis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Calceolaria australis thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Calceolaria australis in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Calceolaria australis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Calceolaria australis prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Calceolaria australis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Calceolaria australis every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Calceolaria australis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Calceolaria australis can spread to about 1 ft (0.2 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Calceolaria australis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Calceolaria australis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Calceolaria australis can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Calceolaria australis is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Calceolaria australis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Calceolaria australis is native to Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow Calceolaria australis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.