Butterwort (Pinguicula) Care Guide

Butterworts, or Pinguicula, are charming little carnivorous plants known for their glossy, sticky leaves that trap tiny insects such as gnats and fruit flies. Their leaves often look almost succulent-like, and many species produce beautiful delicate flowers, making them both useful and decorative plants to grow.

Although they may look delicate, Butterworts are actually very easy plants to grow, especially once you understand their watering and light preferences.

Light Requirements

The MOST Important Part!

Butterworts prefer bright indirect light to dappled sun.

Most species enjoy bright windowsill conditions, particularly windows that receive gentle morning sun or bright filtered light throughout the day.

Too much harsh midday sun can stress the plant, especially during hot summer months. If growing outdoors, a bright patio, shaded greenhouse, or under shade cloth works well.

With the right amount of light, Butterwort leaves often develop beautiful colours ranging from lime green to soft pinks and purples.

Acclimatization

Adjusting to their New Home.

Butterworts usually settle into their new homes quite easily.

However, because plants experience stress during shipping, it’s always best to give them a short adjustment period.

Place your plant in bright indirect light for about a week, before gradually moving it into stronger light if needed.

It’s normal for a few older leaves to die off during this time as the plant adjusts. New leaves will quickly replace them once the plant settles.

A light spray of Novion can also help reduce stress and encourage strong growth.

Novion can be purchased off the Accessories Page.

Watering Requirements

PURE is PERFECT.

Always use PURE water such as Rainwater, Distilled Water, or Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) Water.

Butterworts prefer moist soil but do not enjoy sitting in deep water.

The tray method works well, but keep the water level shallow — usually around 1 cm in the tray or 20% of the pot height.

Allow the tray to dry out for a day or two before refilling, but never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Some Butterwort species produce succulent winter leaves, during which time they require much less water. During this phase, the soil should be kept slightly damp rather than wet.

Soil Requirements

Poor Soil Makes Happy Plants.

Carnivorous plants require nutrient-deficient soil, so never use potting soil containing fertilizers.

Butterworts prefer very light, well-draining soil.

A common mix includes:
• 1 part peat moss
• 1 part perlite or sand

Some growers also add small amounts of pumice or akadama to improve drainage.

Because Butterwort roots are relatively small and delicate, they usually do best in shallow pots.

Carnivorous soil mixes suitable for Butterworts can be purchased from the Accessories Page.

Feeding Requirements

If you Absolutely Cannot Resist!

Butterworts are excellent at catching tiny flying insects, particularly fungus gnats and fruit flies.

When grown indoors, they often help control small pest insects naturally.

Because they capture such small prey, feeding is usually not necessary.

If you wish to supplement feeding, you can lightly sprinkle:

• Finely crushed fish flakes
• Very small dried insects onto the sticky leaves.

Butterworts really benefit from an occasional light foliar fertilizer spray such as Novion.

Pest Control

Never Fear. Help is Near.

Butterworts rarely experience serious pest problems.

Occasionally, aphids or fungus gnats may appear, but these are usually controlled naturally by the plant itself.

If pests do appear, a mild insecticide such as Rosecare Plus by Efekto can be used.

Always spray lightly and avoid soaking the plant excessively.

Temperature Tolerance

To Chill or Not to Chill.

Most Butterworts grow comfortably in moderate household temperatures.

They generally prefer temperatures between 10°C and 30°C

Many species tolerate cooler winter temperatures, but they should be protected from freezing conditions.

If temperatures drop below freezing, move the plant indoors to a bright windowsill.

Winter Dormancy

The Big Snooze.

Many Butterwort species experience a seasonal change in growth.

During winter, they often produce smaller succulent leaves instead of carnivorous sticky leaves.

This is perfectly normal and allows the plant to rest during cooler months.

During this period:

• Reduce watering slightly
• Keep soil damp rather than wet
• Feeding is not necessary

When temperatures warm up again, the plant will return to producing sticky carnivorous leaves.

Refer to my blog for more info on Winter Snoozes.