Auriculas are among the most charming and rewarding alpine plants you can grow. With their intricate flowers, rich history and compact nature, they’re especially well suited to cultivation in a small greenhouse. Many gardeners discover that even a modest glasshouse can become a miniature theatre of colour each spring, bursting with the delicate, powdered faces of these captivating plants.

In this post, we’ll explore how to make the most of a small greenhouse to grow auriculas successfully. We’ll cover different varieties, practical planting tips, temperature and ventilation control, and a few tricks to keep your collection healthy and looking its best.

Why Grow Auriculas?

Choosing Auricula Varieties

Part of the joy of growing auriculas is exploring the huge variety of forms and colours available. Traditionally, auriculas are divided into four main types, each with unique qualities:

1. Show Auriculas

These are the real stars of auricula societies and exhibitions. Show auriculas are divided further into “Edges,” “Fancies,” and “Selfs”:

• Edges: Flowers have a distinctive white, grey or green edge surrounding the coloured centre.
• Fancies: Boldly patterned flowers that don’t fit strictly into other categories.
• Selfs: Single-coloured blooms with a dusting of farina.

Show auriculas need a bit more protection from rain and harsh sun, making a greenhouse or louvre house ideal.

2. Alpine Auriculas

These have a clearer, brighter appearance and lack the farina on their flowers, making them especially vibrant. They are generally tougher and cope slightly better with damp conditions, although still appreciate shelter.

3. Double Auriculas

As the name suggests, these produce fully double flowers, often looking like miniature roses. They are less common, but particularly beautiful.

4. Border Auriculas

The hardiest of all, border auriculas were traditionally grown in garden beds and pots outdoors. They tend to have thicker leaves and can cope with more exposure, although still benefit from winter protection in cold areas.

When choosing varieties for your small greenhouse, it’s best to start with a mix: a few show types for their exquisite patterns, plus some alpines and borders to ensure you have reliable performers year after year.

The Ideal Greenhouse Setup

You don’t need a large or expensive greenhouse to succeed. Many growers keep excellent collections in modest greenhouses measuring as little as 6×4 feet.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your space:

Staging and Shelving

• Install slatted staging (wooden or aluminium) to improve air circulation around the pots.
• Keep plants at bench height or higher so the flowers are at eye level and easier to admire.
• Add shelves or hanging trays above, but ensure they don’t block too much light.

Light

Auriculas prefer bright, indirect light. Strong direct summer sun can scorch the leaves, especially on show types with delicate farina.

• Position shading net or use brush-on shading paint from around mid-May to late summer.
• Avoid placing plants right against the south-facing glass unless you can provide some shade.

Ventilation

Good airflow is critical:

• Use automatic louvres or vents to keep fresh air moving.
• In hot spells, open doors and vents early in the morning to avoid temperature spikes.
• A small fan can also help circulate air and prevent fungal diseases.

Temperature Control

Auriculas are hardy, but consistent temperature management keeps them in peak condition.

Winter

• They need a cold period to set flower buds, so don’t keep them too warm.
• A frost-free environment (around 2–5°C) is ideal. Occasional light frosts won’t harm them but avoid freezing solid.
• Reduce watering in winter – just enough to keep the compost slightly damp.

Spring

• Aim for cool days (10–15°C) and nights (5–8°C).
• Too much warmth in early spring can cause the flower stems to stretch and become floppy.

Summer

• High summer temperatures are a bigger risk. Keep maximum temperatures below 25°C if possible.
• Use shading and increased ventilation to keep the greenhouse cooler.
• Move pots to cooler corners if needed.

Planting and Potting Tips

Auriculas thrive in pots, making them perfect for greenhouse growing.

Choosing Pots

• Traditionally grown in clay pots, which provide excellent drainage and help keep roots cool.
• Plastic pots are lighter and retain moisture slightly longer, which can help if your greenhouse is very warm.

Compost

• Use a well-drained, open mix: roughly equal parts John Innes No.2 (or 3), coarse grit, and multi-purpose compost.
• Avoid peat-heavy composts, which can hold too much water.

Repotting

• Repot every year after flowering (usually late May–June).
• Remove old compost and any dead roots carefully.
• Trim off old leaves and separate offsets to propagate new plants.

Watering & Feeding

Auriculas dislike wet roots, especially in winter.

• Water carefully: In the growing season (March–June), water when the top of the compost feels dry. Avoid splashing water on flowers, which can damage farina.
• Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertiliser (like tomato feed diluted to half strength) every 2–3 weeks during spring growth. Stop feeding once flowering finishes.

After summer, gradually reduce watering so plants enter winter semi-dormancy.

Managing Pests & Diseases

Healthy auriculas rarely suffer major problems, but keep an eye out for:

• Aphids: These can cluster around flower stems and buds. Remove by hand or use insecticidal soap.
• Vine weevil: Larvae can destroy roots. Use nematodes or insecticide drenches in late summer.
• Botrytis (grey mould): Encourage good airflow and remove dead leaves promptly.
• Root rot: Almost always due to overwatering or poor drainage – check compost and reduce watering in damp weather.

Propagation & Expanding Your Collection

One of the delights of auriculas is how easily they increase.

• Offsets: Each mature plant will often produce several offsets each year. Gently separate and pot these up after flowering.
• Seed: Growing from seed is slower but fascinating. Self-pollinated seed may not come true, so it’s a fun way to produce new colours and patterns.

Displaying Auriculas: The Auricula Theatre

Traditionally, enthusiasts display auriculas in an “auricula theatre” – a tiered wooden frame with a roof to protect flowers from rain. If space allows, you can build a mini-theatre inside your greenhouse, arranging pots on shelves or staging.

Tips for showing them off:

• Arrange by colour or type for the best effect.
• Keep flowers at roughly the same height.
• Remove spent blooms and old leaves for a tidy display.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Here’s a quick month-by-month guide:

• January–February: Keep plants just moist, watch for pests.
• March–May: Main flowering period. Increase watering and feed lightly.
• June: After flowering, repot and divide offsets.
• July–August: Watch temperatures; increase shading and ventilation. Water less as growth slows.
• September–October: Plants start new root growth; water carefully.
• November–December: Keep cool and drier; protect from excess wet.

Final Thoughts

Auriculas are living antiques, connecting today’s gardeners with centuries of horticultural history. Even in a small greenhouse, a carefully chosen collection can bring months of colour and endless satisfaction. The key is moderation: don’t overcrowd, manage temperature and ventilation thoughtfully, and enjoy the ritual of tending to these elegant alpines.

Start small, learn the rhythm of the plants, and soon you’ll find yourself eagerly anticipating that magical spring moment when the first flower opens – a true sign that your little greenhouse has become a stage for something quite special.