Pocketbook Plant: Unusual Pouch Blooms for Short-Term Display

Botanical Name: Calceolaria herbeohybrida

Named for its puffy, pouch-shaped flowers (also called Slipper Flower/Slipperwort), this hybrid produces clusters of yellow, white, orange, red, maroon, or copper blooms — often spotted — on tall stems above soft, heart-shaped, deeply veined leaves. Sold in bloom in spring (natural season).

Care for Maximum Bloom Time

Cool, Draft-Free, Bright (No Direct Sun)

Drafts and direct sun scorch soft leaves. Cool temps extend bloom.

Constant Moisture

Keep soil evenly moist at all times — may not recover if dried out. Avoid watering over crown (causes rot).

High Humidity

Pebble tray essential.

Discard After Bloom

It's an annual — won't rebloom.

Quick Reference: Pocketbook Plant Care

• Origin: Hybrids
• Height: 12 in (30 cm)
• Light: Bright; no direct sun
• Water: Evenly moist always; no crown watering
• Humidity: High; pebble tray
• Temperature: Cool: 45–50°F (7–10°C) nights / 55–60°F (13–16°C) days
• Soil: Peat-based mix
• Fertilizer: None while in bloom
• Propagation: Seed