Description
Butterworts, also known as Pinguicula, are fascinating carnivorous plants with soft, thick leaves that look almost too gentle to be deadly. Each leaf is coated in a clear, super-sticky substance that acts like natural flypaper. When a small insect or gnat lands on the leaf, it becomes stuck almost instantly. The plant then slowly releases digestive enzymes, breaking down its unlucky visitor and absorbing the nutrients through the leaf surface.
Beautiful, clever, and quietly efficient, butterworts prove that carnivory doesn’t always need teeth or traps to get the job done.
Basic Growing Guidelines:
Light: Butterworts need Partial to Dappled Sun. Ideal for a sunny windowsill that gets morning sun. Protect from the hot afternoon sun if growing outdoors.
Soil: Our standard carnivorous soil mix for Butterworts is ideal for this plant. (1 part carnivorous soil to 2 parts perlite.)
Feeding: You can supplement feeding with crushed fish food flakes sprinkled onto the leaves. A weekly spray of a light foliar fertilizer will also benefit the plant.
Humidity: 50 to 60% on average is ideal.
Water: Water them via the tray method, but use only enough water in the tray to last about a day. Then leave the tray dry for a day or two before refilling to the same level again. Soil must be just damp to the touch before refilling the tray.
Temperature: 20 to 30 degrees Celcius is ideal. If temps get hotter ensure the soil never drys out.
Dormancy: Butterworts do not go into true dormancy. Instead, they form rosette succulent type leaves when temps drop. Reduce watering further during this time by allowing the top of the soil to become dry to the touch before rewatering.
A summary of plant care is provided with each plant.
For more detailed information on how to care for your plant, refer to our Care Guides Section.
