1 Mystery Pinguicula (Butterwort)

Pinguicula, or butterworts, are easy-to-grow carnivorous plants that thrive when provided with the right balance of light, moisture, and airflow.

Light: For best growth, place your Pinguicula in bright, indirect light or under grow lights for 14–16 hours per day. Reduce lighting to about 12 hours during winter.

Water: Use distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water usually contains minerals that can harm the plant over time. Water your Pinguicula from the bottom, using a tray or dish. Top watering can cause rot. The Pinguicula we sell are drought tolerant and can dry out for a few days before refilling their water tray. Most Pinguicula species prefer slightly drier conditions during their winter succulent phase.

Soil: Use a nutrient-poor, well-draining soil mix. The soil mix we use is 3 parts perlite, 1 part peat moss, 1 part vermiculite.

Feeding: These insect-eating plants naturally capture small pests like fungus gnats and fruit flies with their sticky leaves. Supplemental feeding can be done with small fish food pellets, cricket powder, or by lightly misting a highly diluted maxsea fertilizer once or twice a month. Over-fertilizing can kill these plants.

Humidity & Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 65–85°F and provide good air circulation to encourage healthy growth. High humidity is not necessary but 40%-80% is ideal. Extremely dry air may cause slower growth or reduced dew production on the leaves, but healthy plants can still flourish without a humid environment, making Pinguicula an excellent choice for indoor growers.

Potting kits include a black plastic pot with drainage holes (2.16in top x 2.3in height, 1.5in bottom) and a soil mix (3 parts perlite, 1 part peat moss, 1 part vermiculite).