Pinguicula cyclosecta aka Mexican Butterwort

Pinguicula cyclosecta is moderately easy to grow and adapts well to typical household conditions. While more forgiving than many carnivorous plants, it does require attention to its seasonal watering needs—moist in summer during active growth, dry in winter during dormancy. The main care challenges are using pure water (distilled, RO, or rainwater), providing adequate light for good coloration, and never using fungicides, which are fatal to all Pinguicula species. Once you understand its seasonal rhythm, it's quite rewarding.

Watering needs change seasonally. During summer when the plant displays carnivorous leaves, use the tray method with about 2cm of distilled or RO water, allowing the soil to nearly dry before refilling. When the plant transitions to its winter succulent form, reduce watering significantly—let the tray dry out for about a week between waterings. Never use tap water as mineral buildup can harm the plant. This species is not a bog plant like Venus flytraps, so avoid keeping it constantly waterlogged.

Bright, indirect light is ideal for this species. East or west-facing windowsills work well, while south-facing windows may need shading from intense afternoon sun which can scorch leaves. Under higher light conditions, the leaves develop their stunning purple and violet coloration—in lower light, they remain more green. Grow lights are excellent alternatives, especially if you can program them to mimic seasonal day length changes, which helps maintain the plant's natural carnivorous-to-succulent cycle.

This species tolerates a wide range of humidity levels, making it well-suited to typical household conditions. Ambient humidity between 40-80% is acceptable, with 50-70% being optimal. During summer, higher humidity around 80% is beneficial, while winter dormancy actually prefers somewhat drier air. Good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues. No special humidity equipment like terrariums or humidifiers is typically needed for successful cultivation.

During the summer growing season, temperatures between 25-35°C (77-95°F) during the day and around 20°C (68°F) at night are ideal. In winter dormancy, cooler temperatures between 10-18°C (50-64°F) help maintain the succulent phase and rest period. The plant can tolerate brief drops near freezing but should be protected from frost. Room temperature in most homes works well year-round, though slightly cooler winter conditions promote better seasonal cycling.

This carnivorous plant obtains nutrients by catching small insects, so fertilizing is optional but can boost growth in bug-free environments. If fertilizing, use a very dilute foliar fertilizer like Maxsea (1/4 strength) every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can feed the plant with dried bloodworms, fish food flakes, or small insects placed directly on the sticky leaves. Never fertilize roots directly or during winter dormancy, and always err on the side of too little rather than too much.

The easiest method is leaf pullings from the winter succulent rosette. In late winter or early spring, gently pull leaves from the base ensuring you get the white leaf base intact—this is where new plantlets will sprout. Lay leaves flat on moist growing medium and keep humid. Within 1-2 weeks, tiny plantlets emerge from the leaf base. The plant also produces offsets naturally that can be divided when they develop their own roots. Note that P. cyclosecta cannot self-pollinate, so seeds require cross-pollination from another individual.

This is a miniature species forming flat rosettes typically no larger than 5cm (2 inches) in diameter—about the size of a 50-cent coin. Summer carnivorous leaves reach 15-35mm long, while winter succulent leaves are smaller at 3-12mm. Growth is slow, which is typical for carnivorous plants adapted to nutrient-poor conditions. Flower scapes add temporary height when blooming in spring. The compact size makes it perfect for windowsills, terrariums, and small plant collections.

This species is endemic to northeastern Mexico, found in the states of Nuevo León, Coahuila, San Luis Potosí, and Tamaulipas. It grows naturally on north-facing vertical limestone cliff walls at elevations above Abies (fir) and oak woodland. The habitat features cool, windy conditions where the rosettes grow on small moss carpets alongside selaginella and ferns, or in shaded crevices beneath Agave and Hechtia plants. This specialized limestone cliff habitat explains its preference for alkaline growing conditions.

This species exhibits dramatic seasonal changes requiring adjusted care. From May to September (wet season), the plant produces large, sticky carnivorous leaves—keep soil consistently moist and provide warmth. From October to April (dry season), it forms a compact succulent rosette of small, non-carnivorous leaves. During this dormant phase, reduce watering significantly, allow longer dry periods, and provide cooler temperatures (10-18°C). The transition is triggered by changing day length, so natural or programmed lighting helps maintain this cycle.

The flowers are one of this species' most striking features—large (25-35mm) and intensely violet to metallic purple with deeply divided petals and a distinctive 15-22mm spur. Blooms appear on short scapes in spring, sometimes also in fall. The plant cannot self-pollinate, so flowers from two different individuals are needed for seed production. Hand-pollination using toothpicks or fine forceps can be done if you want to produce seeds. Even without seeds, the spectacular flowers make springtime especially rewarding.

Repot every 3-5 years or when you notice salt crusts forming on the soil surface or pot edges—a sign of mineral buildup from water. The best time is in late winter or early spring during the succulent phase, just before new carnivorous growth begins. Use fresh alkaline mix (peat, sand, and perlite with dolomitic lime) and a shallow pot with drainage holes. Handle roots gently as they're delicate. This is also an ideal time to divide offsets or take leaf pullings for propagation.

Ironically, while this plant catches fungus gnats, their larvae can damage it by eating leaves touching the soil. Apply a 5mm layer of coarse silica sand on the soil surface to deter them. Aphids may colonize new growth—remove with a strong water spray or insecticidal soap. Mealy bugs can infest roots and foliage. The critical warning: NEVER use any fungicide on Pinguicula, including organic options like cinnamon—fungicides are fatal to all species in this genus. Good air circulation and avoiding overwatering prevent most fungal issues.

Beyond its ornamental value, this plant serves as natural, chemical-free pest control. The sticky leaves effectively trap fungus gnats, fruit flies, aphids, and other small flying insects that plague houseplants. Many growers place Pinguicula near other plants to help control gnat populations. While not highly efficient as a sole pest control method, it contributes meaningfully to reducing small insect populations in indoor growing spaces without any pesticides.

This species is pollinated by insects in its native habitat and cannot self-pollinate. If you want to produce seeds in cultivation, you'll need two genetically different plants and must hand-pollinate the flowers. Use a toothpick or fine forceps to transfer pollen between flowers. Without cross-pollination, flowers will not set seed, but vegetative propagation through leaf pullings and division remains highly effective for producing new plants.

When growing Mexican Butterwort, it is important to pay attention to the soil type you are using. This plant is very sensitive to dry soil and needs a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil should still be well-draining and contain lots of organic matter. Coco coir or sphagnum moss are great options to provide the Mexican Butterwort with the nutrients and moisture it needs. The added organic matter will also help the soil retain water and prevent the Mexican Butterwort from drying out too quickly. Before planting, make sure to mix compost or manure into the soil for extra nutrients. Also, make sure to water the Mexican Butterwort regularly, making sure to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. With the correct soil and watering regimen, the Mexican Butterwort will thrive and bring lots of beauty to your home.

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.