Portuguese Butterwort
pinguicula lusitanica
Also known as: ["Butterwort","Lusitanian Butterwort"]
Overview
A small carnivorous plant native to Portugal and Spain, known for its sticky, insect-trapping leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["air purifying","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus: | Pinguicula |
| Botanical Name: | Pinguicula lusitanica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed or terrarium with high humidity
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
- 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 every few months or when dead leaves accumulate.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; only remove damaged or old leaves.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun; protect from intense midday sun; place in east-facing windows or shaded outdoor spots.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light or partial shade
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; provide dappled light in summer; shield from strong afternoon sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Use distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup; keep soil perpetually damp; avoid letting roots dry out completely.
Soil
sphagnum moss and perlite mix for good drainage
pH: Acidic (pH 4.5–6.0).
Keep soil perpetually damp; use distilled water; avoid mineral-rich soils.
Temperature
Warm to hot temperatures (20–30°C); prefers stable conditions; tolerates mild fluctuations.
Avoid sudden temperature drops; maintain warmth in winter; protect from extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with diluted liquid fertilizer
Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; fertilize only if traps are underdeveloped; dilute heavily to prevent damage.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division; leaf cuttings can also be used but are less reliable.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Plant in moist medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (20–25°C), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite (1:1).
Hormone
Not necessary but can speed up rooting.
Timeline
Roots form in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), humidity dome, small pots.
Quick Tips
Keep medium consistently moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; avoid direct sun.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Gently pull off dead leaves or use sterilized scissors for stubborn ones.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; focus on removing dead or decaying leaves to maintain hygiene.
Tools
Sterilized scissors or fingers.
Checklist
Remove only dead leaves; sterilize tools; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the growing season begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining mix; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant outgrows its container; helps refresh soil and prevent root crowding.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; ensure pot has drainage; handle roots gently; water sparingly post-repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled water; check soil moisture daily; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture distribution; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water frequently, especially during active growing season (spring/summer); allow soil to remain consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce frequency in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for aeration; use peat moss for acidity; avoid heavy compost.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf curling, reduced trap formation, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, weakens traps, and may cause leaf necrosis in temperatures below 10°C.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; use a heat mat if necessary; avoid cold drafts.
Hot Stress
Can lead to dehydration, leaf burn, or reduced trap efficiency in temperatures above 35°C.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, and ensure adequate watering during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use weak solution; apply to soil only; avoid foliage; fertilize only in growing season.
Fertilizing Method
Generally not needed as it traps insects; if fertilizing, use a weak solution (1/4 strength) of balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicPinguicula lusitanica is not toxic to cats. The plant lacks any known toxic compounds that would pose a risk to felines if consumed.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicPinguicula lusitanica 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 lusitanica, commonly known as the Portuguese 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 do I care for Pinguicula lusitanica?
A: Keep it in bright, indirect light, use distilled or rainwater, and maintain high humidity.
Q: Is Pinguicula lusitanica toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?
A: This may indicate overwatering or insufficient light.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light or part |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
Get Expert Care Tips
Download the Plantious app for personalized care reminders and plant identification!
Google Play App Store
