About
A carnivorous perennial forming a rosette of sticky yellow-green leaves capable of trapping and digesting insects. In summer it produces solitary, red flowers on 15cm tall flowerstems. In winter this species has a period of semi-dormancy when it should be kept drier; during this time it may produce succulent, non-carnivorous leaves.
About the genus
Pinguicula are a genus of around 80 species of, mainly perennial, flowering carnivorous plants with sticky leaves which attract and digest insects. Leaves are succulent-like and flowers mainly blue, violet or white
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants
HabitClump forming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
Native toMexico (Oaxaca)
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a compost mix comprising one part each peat substitute, coarse sand, perlite and dolomitic limestone chippings. Position in bright, filtered light. In growth, water freely; in winter water sparingly. See Carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by sowing seed on damp sphagnum moss as soon as ripe. Take leaf cuttings in late winter
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free