Common Butterwort
pinguicula vulgaris
Also known as: ["Fen Tasselwort","Fen Pinguicula"]
Overview
A small, carnivorous plant with sticky, insect-trapping leaves and violet flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus: | Pinguicula |
| Botanical Name: | Pinguicula vulgaris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: Outdoor bog garden or container with constant moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"3–8"}
- Misting: Not required; maintain high humidity through substrate moisture.
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss-based mix with perlite or sand for drainage.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically once every few months or when dead leaves are present.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; only remove dead or yellowing leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright, direct sunlight for 6–8 hours daily. Adjust to avoid scorching in intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Place outdoors in a sheltered spot with morning sun and afternoon shade during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Avoid deep shade; rotate pot for even light exposure; provide dappled shade in hottest part of summer.
Watering
Keep substrate consistently moist, watering every 2–3 days during active growth, reducing to weekly in dormancy.
Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup; keep soil consistently moist during growth; reduce watering during dormancy.
Soil
Acidic, nutrient-poor, sandy or peaty soil
pH: Acidic, pH 4.5–6.0.
Use distilled water; avoid mineral buildup; ensure soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 50–70°F (10–21°C). Tolerates cooler temperatures but avoids extreme heat.
Avoid sudden temperature swings; protect from frost; maintain moderate temperatures during active growth.
Fertilizing
Avoid fertilizing; these plants derive nutrients from insects.
Avoid over-fertilizing; use distilled water for dilution; fertilize only during growing season.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rosettes.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting or divide the rosette.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain high humidity.
- Wait for roots to develop.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite.
Hormone
Not typically required, but rooting hormone can be used for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid direct sunlight during propagation.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead leaves at the base with clean, sharp scissors.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning required; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and appearance.
Tools
Sharp, sterilized scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; remove only dead leaves; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; place in a new pot with fresh carnivorous plant mix; water lightly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant outgrows its container. Necessary to refresh the growing medium and improve drainage.
Checklist
Use fresh carnivorous plant mix; ensure good drainage; handle roots gently; water sparingly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled water; water soil directly; ensure drainage; adjust frequency seasonally.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly onto the soil, avoiding the leaves to prevent fungal issues. Ensure water reaches the root zone and allow excess to drain freely. Water in the morning to allow foliage to dry before nightfall.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water regularly during active growing season (spring to summer), allowing the soil to remain consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in winter dormancy, ensuring the soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand to improve drainage; use distilled or rainwater to maintain acidity.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf curling, or cessation of sticky secretion in heat; slow growth or browning leaves in cold.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolic processes, reduces leaf secretion, and may cause leaf damage if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; move indoors if temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C); ensure good air circulation to prevent mold.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or develop brown spots; reduced sticky secretion and potential dormancy.
Solution: Provide partial shade during peak heat; increase humidity; ensure adequate ventilation to prevent overheating.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply to soil only; avoid foliage; fertilize monthly in growing season.
Fertilizing Method
Generally not required, as Pinguicula vulgaris is carnivorous and derives nutrients from insects. If needed, use a very diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer (1/8 strength) once monthly during active growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPinguicula vulgaris is not toxic to cats. The plant lacks any known compounds that would be harmful to felines if consumed.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPinguicula vulgaris is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to canines, even if ingested.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicPinguicula vulgaris, commonly known as common butterwort, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant is carnivorous and primarily captures small insects, but it does not produce any known toxic compounds that would harm humans upon ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does Pinguicula vulgaris trap insects?
A: It secretes sticky mucilage on its leaves that traps insects, which are then digested by enzymes.
Q: What kind of soil does it need?
A: It requires acidic, nutrient-poor, and well-draining soil, often with a mix of peat moss and sand.
Q: Can it be grown indoors?
A: It can be grown indoors but requires bright, indirect light and high humidity to thrive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | Keep substrate consistently mo |
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