Butterworth 'Pinguicula pumila' 'Yellow'

Pinguicula pumila is a special carnivorous plant from the bladderworts family (Lentebulariaceae). It is the smallest species from the genus Pinguicula. This species is known for its rosette of oval to egg-shaped, light green to almost yellowish leaves, that only grows out to a maximum width of three centimeters. On top of the leaves, many tiny glands produce a very sticky substance. If small insects come in contact with this substance, escaping is almost inevitable. The leaves digest the insects and thereby compensating to the nutrient poor conditions the plants grow in. In spring, somewhere between April and May, this species could flower. Per rosette one flower stalk is produced, reaching a maximum length of around eighteen centimeters and carrying a solitary flower. The flower is purple with a yellow core and looks somewhat like a violet. Flowers could vary a lot in color, from light pink to deep purple, with or without the yellow core. There are no reports of flowers larger than one and a half centimeters. Propagation of this species is most commonly done by separating younger rosettes, forming at the base of mature plants. Also, harvesting seed and sowing is possible.

Pinguicula pumila grows naturally in nutrient poor, waterlogged and boggy conditions in Southwestern parts of the United States. It is only possible to grow this species indoors with minimal temperatures of ten degrees Celsius. Pot this plant in a humus rich soil mixture, containing no or very little nutrients only. Prevent any addition of calcium or other salts in the soil mixture. A soil mixture based for the major part of peat is highly recommended. Never let the soil go dry, make sure it stays always a bit soggy. This provides also the right humidity for growing this species. Preferably, use rainwater or water that does not contain any minerals. Place the plant in a very bright spot, after acclimatization, this species could endure direct sunlight all day. This species is not frost tolerant, it should its rosette year-round. Never apply any fertilizer for this plant, it will provide itself with any nutrients by catching small insects.