Pinguicula

Family. Lentibulariaceae.

Origin. South America.

Description. Insectivorous pinguiculas are perennial herbaceous carnivorous plants that form a basal rosette of leaves 2–10 cm long, which can be light green, pink, yellowish and even pale lilac. The leaf blades are round, ovoid, covered with tiny glands that secrete droplets of sticky liquid that trap insects. The leaves dissolve insects and absorb nutrients. Peduncles are tall, up to 60 cm, appear from the center of the rosette, bearing single flowers of purple, pink, white or yellow.

Height. Up to 30 cm.

Caring at home

Reproduction, growing from seeds 

Seeds that are preferably pre-stratified by placing them in the refrigerator. Seeds are sown in the spring on the surface of moistened peat, watering is done from below, through a tray. Seedlings should be covered with a transparent plastic cap or glass to maintain humidity and placed in a warm place with a temperature of 15 - 25 ° C. Germination will take 1 - 2 months. Leaf cuttings rooted in wet sand. Daughter sockets. 

How to care

The main difficulty in care is maintaining high air humidity and keeping it in cool conditions during the winter months.

When pinguicula blooms 

Flowering time is in the spring, repeated flowering is possible throughout the year.

Containment temperature

From spring to autumn, normal room temperature is suitable for growing pinguicula. It is advisable that night temperatures should be 3 - 5 degrees lower than daytime ones. During the winter dormant period, place the plant in a cool room with a temperature of 8 - 12 ° C.

Soil

Based on sphagnum moss or a mixture of equal parts peat and coarse sand, vermiculite. Limestone should be added to the substrate, as representatives of the genus prefer slightly alkaline soil.

Lighting

A well-lit place without direct sunlight, the bushes tolerate partial shade.

Fertilizer 

The root system is poorly developed and serves mainly only to anchor the plant. Pinguicula receives its main nutrients through its leaves, so use foliar feeding only when absolutely necessary.

Spraying 

Mist the rosette of leaves, use a room humidifier, or place the pot on a tray of damp pebbles.

Irrigation

During the period of active growth, the soil should always remain moist; do not rush to remove excess water from the tray - leave it for a day. In autumn and winter, reduce the frequency of watering, but do not allow the substrate to dry out.

Transfer

In the spring, with the beginning of new growth, as needed. 

Pests and diseases

Rotting due to waterlogging in the autumn-winter period.

Sometimes the plant is attacked by spider mites and aphids.

Varieties:

Pinguicula vulgaris

A herbaceous carnivorous plant that forms a basal rosette of glossy, light green, succulent, entire leaves with a moist, sticky surface. Peduncles are vertical, leafless, slightly curved at the apex, covered with slight pubescence. Each peduncle bears at the top one or several large, attractive flowers with purple, less often pinkish or lilac petals. 

Pinguicula alpina

A perennial miniature herbaceous plant with oblong, light green, moist leaves. Sometimes the leaves or the underside of the leaf blades are colored burgundy. Leafless erect peduncles reach a height of 15 cm, covered with slight pubescence. Each flower stalk can bear up to 8 attractive white flowers with yellow spots on the lower petals. 

Pinguicula weser

A delicate herbaceous perennial plant with light green or pinkish, thin leaves collected in a rosette. The sticky leaves can reach 5 cm in length. The leafless flower stalks reach a height of 20 cm and bear several attractive lilac flowers at the tops.