Pinguicula esseriana

Pinguicula esseriana is also known as Mexican butterwort. This small plant eats prey and lives for years. It is part of the plant family Lentibulariaceae. It grows wild in northeastern Mexico, including San Luis Potosí. Kew puts it in the subtropical climate group. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Its small size makes it suited to indoor pots. The RHS lists homes, conservatories, and greenhouses as places to grow it.

This evergreen plant grows in a small clump. Its leaves form a rosette, a ring around the centre. The sticky leaves are pale green with a pink flush. Each leaf can reach about 0.05 feet [0.015 metres] long. The plant grows to about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] tall. It also spreads to about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] wide. It grows slowly and takes two to five years to mature. Its leaves add interest even when it has no flowers.

Single, pale purple flowers appear during the summer months. In winter, the plant rests but does not stop growing fully. At this time, it may grow leaves that cannot catch prey. These leaves differ from those it grows in its active phase. Change how much you water to match these shifts. Keep the plant drier while it rests in winter. Give it more water when active growth starts again.

The RHS care notes call for bright light, screened from direct sun. Its site guide also lists full sun for this plant. Use a moist growing mix that lets water drain well. The RHS gives a mix of four parts in equal amounts. These are peat substitute, coarse sand, perlite, and dolomitic limestone chips. It lists sandy or chalky soil and neutral to alkaline pH. Give plenty of water during growth, but little in winter. Its UK hardiness rating is H1C, for minimum temperatures of 5–10°C. To grow it outdoors in summer, choose a warm, sheltered site.

You do not need to prune this small plant. The RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. You can raise new plants from seeds or leaf cuttings. Sow seeds on damp sphagnum moss as soon as they ripen. Take leaf cuttings in late winter to grow new plants. Its small size suits places with little room to spare. Focus care on light, drainage, warmth, and water needs through the seasons.