Pinguicula aka Butterwort

Taxonomy

Genus Pinguicula Family Lentibulariaceae Order Lamiales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Pinguicula, commonly known as butterworts, is a genus of carnivorous flowering plants in the family Lentibulariaceae. These insectivorous tropical perennials produce rosettes of sticky, pale green leaves that can turn pink in strong light. They use their glandular leaves to lure, trap, and digest insects, supplementing their poor mineral nutrition obtained from the environment. With around 80 known species, Pinguicula has a wide distribution, with 13 species native to Europe, 9 to North America, and some in northern Asia. The largest number of species can be found in South and Central America. Unlike other plants in the Lentibulariaceae family, butterworts have true roots. Their rosettes consist of thick sheet plates, reaching heights of up to 6 inches (15 cm). In the spring, tall flower stalks emerge from the center, growing up to 1 foot (0.4 m) in length and bearing tiny purple flowers, although variants with yellow, white, pink, and blue flowers can also be found in natural settings. These herbaceous compact perennials are typically found in swampy areas of temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere.

Common names

Butterwort, Aphrodite Butterwort, Bebop Lollipop Butterwort, El Lobo Butterwort, Johnanna Butterwort

How to care for Butterwort

Difficulty

With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Butterwort, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.

Soil

If you're planting Butterwort, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Marciano Butterwort is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Butterwort will thrive!

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Butterwort prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

More info:
Wikipedia

More Species in Pinguicula Genus

Pinguicula longifolia

Pinguicula emarginata

Pinguicula planifolia Chapman's Butterwort

Pinguicula gigantea Giant Mexican Butterwort

Pinguicula leptoceras Hairy Spurred Butterwort

Pinguicula moctezumae Pinguicula Moctezumae

Pinguicula vulgaris Common Butterwort

Pinguicula moranensis Tropical Butterwort

Pinguicula hemiepiphytica Pinguicula Hemiepiphytica

Pinguicula lusitanica Pale Butterwort