Butterwort (Pinguicula) Cultivation Information
Pinguicula prefer a well-draining and nutrient-poor soil mix. A mix of peat moss and perlite in a 1:1 ratio works well for most species. It's important to sterilize the soil mix to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
If starting with seed, sow them on the soil surface, ensuring that they are spaced apart to allow room for growth. Gently press the seeds into the soil to ensure good contact.
Cover the seeds with plastic wrap or sow in a container with a seal to retain moisture and protect the seeds from drying out. It's important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Pinguicula seeds require warmth, humidity, and bright light to germinate. Provide a temperature range of 20-25°C (68-77°F) and humidity of around 80%. A grow light or bright window with indirect sunlight will provide the necessary light.
After a few weeks, the seedlings should start to emerge from the soil. At this point, remove the cover and continue to provide optimal growing conditions. It's important to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged, and to avoid direct sunlight.
Once the seedlings have grown their first true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a larger container. Use the same soil mix as before and ensure that the plant is well-drained. It's important to continue to provide optimal growing conditions.
As the plant grows, continue to provide optimal growing conditions, including bright light, warmth, and humidity. Water the plant regularly, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Feeding the plant with a diluted, low-nitrogen fertilizer once a month can also be beneficial.
Adult growth has two different phases, succulent and carnivorous. During the succulent or dormant phase, Pinguicula will regress back towards their center and grow smaller and tighter rosettes. During the carnivorous phase, they'll produce large leaves that are more densely covered in mucilage glands. Pinguicula typically produce flowers when mature in the spring, however other species or hybrids will flower year round if conditions are optimal.
Propagation
Propagating Pinguicula, also known as butterworts, is a relatively simple process that can be done using a variety of methods. The best time to propagate is during the carnivorous phase, typically in the spring or summer after the succulent phase has ended. Choose a healthy, mature plant to propagate from, and select the propagation method that works best for you.
There are three primary methods of propagating Pinguicula: leaf cuttings, division, and seed propagation. Leaf cuttings involve taking a healthy leaf from the plant, cutting it into pieces, and placing the pieces in a tray with well-draining soil. After a few weeks, the cuttings will develop roots and new leaves.
Division involves separating the plantlets that divide over time from a mature plant. A well developed plantlet will divide easily and have its own root system. These plantlets are then planted in individual pots with well-draining soil, and the soil is kept moist. Within a few weeks, normal growth will resume.
Seed propagation involves sowing the seeds on the soil surface, spacing them apart to allow for growth. The soil should be kept moist, and within a few weeks, new plants will begin to grow.