It was with a heavy heart that I bought seven perfect little auriculas last spring, knowing full well that soon they would be dead.
Choosing color combinations and textures that you happen to like is a good rule of thumb.
My little group of jewel-like plants stayed in their box for some weeks, while I agonized over how to house them.
I looked up auricula theaters on Pinterest and one simple one, without frills, stood out. I showed it to my neighbor who is a carpenter; I had some tongue-and-groove wood offcuts hanging around so I handed them over.
An outdoor theater keeps the air circulating, giving it the advantage over a greenhouse without perfect ventilation. Part of the reason that prize-winning auriculas do so well in the north of England is because of the cooler conditions.
It is important that auriculas are kept out of the rain.
Eyelets were attached to this theater so that it could be hung on a wall, though I prefer to move it around. In spring, an east- or north-facing site will protect auriculas from prolonged sun.
A frame highlights each plant’s shape and color and is a strong focal point for a small garden.
Auriculas should be watered sparingly in winter but during their months of flowering, it is handy to keep a small dispenser nearby, in this case an aluminum oil can which is kept under cover in the frame.