What type of Pinguicula/ butterwort are these?

(Question)

The diameter of the rosettes is about 1.5″ and the diameter of the pot is about 4″. I

(Answer)

Thank you for your question. Butterwort (Pinguicula gigantea) usually has 3 to 6 light green to yellowish green leaves that form a basal rosette, the blades oval to elliptic, ¾ to 2 inches in length.   The edges curl inward and the surface is covered with sticky hairs that trap insects. The plant may produce 1 to 3 dark reddish purple flowering stems covered with sparse, fine hairs. The stems are usually 2 to 6 inches long. However, during the dormant winter months, it may just produce non-sticky leaves for photosynthesis.

The plant will require several hours of bright, indirect morning or evening sun.

Butterworts require an evenly moist soil.  Place the plant in a saucer and provide 1/2 inch of water to the base of the plant and replenish as necessary to avoid dehydration. Rain water or distilled water is best. A potting mix specifically designed for carnivorous plants is recommended.

The plant may lose some leaves over the winter months but regrowth should occur once spring arrives.  Natural prey it may catch is the only fertilizer required.

Your plant may be brought outdoors in summer but will only endure about one hour of direct sun each day.

Gardening KnowHow is a good resource:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/butterwort/how-to-grow-butterworts.htm

Another resource:  www.ukhouseplants.com

There is a hardy version of this plant (P. vulgaris) which can be found growing on cold rocky cliffs such as along the Lake Superior coast. The Minnesota Wildflower Association has some good information about the hardy butterwort in the link below.

https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/flower/butterwort

Good luck.

 

Mar. 25, 21