Butterworth 'Pinguicula poldinii'

Pinguicula poldinii is a carnivorous plant from the family lentibulariaceae. It originates from a couple of locations in Italy only. The plant produces a rosette of egg shaped to oval, brightgreen leaves. On the upper side of the leaves, it contains many glands producing a sticky substance where insects could be caught with. The insects are digested on top of the leaves, the nutrients available are used by the plant. Once per year, mostly in spring, one to several flower stalks are produced carrying a single purple, spurred flower. Flowers are somewhat similar to the flower of a violet. In winter, Pinguicula poldinii could hibernate by reducing the whole plant to the underground rhizome. Propagation is done by repotting the smaller rosettes forming near the base of the mature plant, or seeds.

Pinguicula poldinii natural habitat are crevices and fissures between moist calcareous rock walls. For optimal growth of this species, provide temperatures between 10 and 30 degrees Celsius in summer. In winter, this plant could handle a couple degrees below zero degrees Celsius when hibernating. This species is mostly grown in bright, cool rooms indoors, specialized terraria, cool greenhouses or even outdoors. Pinguicula poldinii grows best with bright indirect light. Direct sunlight could scorch the leaves. Pot this plant in mineral rich soil that is able to maintain moisture. Add some limestone or other calcareous material to the medium. This plant needs constant moisture, it is possible to place the pot in a tray of water at all times. Fertilizer is rarely applied; it is possible to ‘feed’ the leaves with small insects occasionally.