Home  •   Ask Judy  •   Please help me to identify this plant before it dies!!

Please help me to identify this plant before it dies!!

A friend who doesn’t have much interest in plants gave me this colourful plant..no label, no name and the previous owner clueless as to what it could be. I love it but it doesn’t seem to be doing too well and I really don’t know what it needs..shade, sun etc. Please could you help me before I push it into an early grave ☺ thank you

Hi Courtney,

 

1429081310729

Your plant seems to be a Calceolaria herbeohybrida. Here is a picture of a Calceolaria herbeohybrida just to be sure you agree.

Bright yellow and red Calceolaria Herbeohybrida

Calceolaria Herbeohybrida

Calceolaria are considered annuals; they have a very decorative foliage and flowers but can be kept for only a single season. They are very demanding plants so it is no surprise that you are having some problems with it. Here is what the plant likes:

bright lightVery few houseplants should be placed in direct sun. High light refers only to bright indirect light since direct sun often burns the leaves of indoor houseplants. An area that is too hot and dry encourages Spider Mites and causes blooms to quickly fade. A northern exposure really doesn't provide enough light for high light plants. These plants need to be placed directly in front of an east-facing window, within 1-3 feet of a west-facing window, and within 5 ft. of a south facing window. A high light area has over 300 ft. candles of light. but no direct sun

Keep the soil moist al all times but not soggy. Water from the bottom

Temperatures between 60 to 65°F during the day, 45-55F at night, and no drafts

Do not feed while flowering