Long-leaved Butterwort

pinguicula longifolia

Also known as: ["Long-leaved Pinguicula","Spanish Butterwort"]

Family: Lentibulariaceae Genus: Pinguicula Category: Flowers

Overview

A small carnivorous plant native to Europe and North Africa, known for its sticky, insect-trapping leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Lentibulariaceae
Genus: Pinguicula
Botanical Name: Pinguicula longifolia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: outdoor bog garden or terrarium with high humidity
  • Suitable For:
    Collectors & Enthusiasts Indoor Plant Lovers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"7–10"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain high humidity
  • Drainage: Fast-draining
  • 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 after flowering.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light 6–8 hours/day; direct morning sun tolerated; reduce light in summer heat.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate to stronger light gradually; protect from intense midday sun; place near east-facing window indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or cessation of carnivorous trapping indicate poor soil or site conditions.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

partial shade to full sun

Rotate plant weekly; provide shade during peak summer; avoid direct afternoon sun.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Use distilled or rainwater; avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal growth; ensure excellent drainage.

Soil

sphagnum moss and perlite mix, acidic and well-draining

pH: Acidic (pH 4.5–6.0)

Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy; use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup; ensure excellent drainage.

Temperature

Cool to moderate temperatures (10–25°C); prefers cooler nights (5–15°C); tolerates mild frost.

Avoid drafts; maintain stable temps; protect from extreme heat/cold.

Fertilizing

rarely, if ever, as they are carnivorous and derive nutrients from insects

Avoid chemical fertilizers; use only if plant is weak; dilute to 1/4 strength.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or leaf cuttings.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cutting.
  2. Apply rooting hormone (optional).
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Spring or early summer during active growth.

Environment

High humidity (70–90%), warm (18–22°C), indirect light.

Medium

Sphagnum moss or pure peat with perlite for drainage.

Hormone

Not necessary but can aid rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 4–8 weeks; new plantlets in 3–6 months.

Tools Needed

Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.

Quick Tips

Keep medium moist but not waterlogged; provide gentle air circulation; avoid direct sun.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Carefully snip dead leaves at the base; avoid cutting healthy tissue.

Pruning Plan

Minimal pruning; remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain health and aesthetics.

Tools

Clean scissors or small pruning shears.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; remove only dead parts; avoid over-pruning.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring before active growth begins.

Pot Size

One size up; increase pot diameter by 2–3 cm.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim dead roots; repot in fresh mix; ensure good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when potting mix breaks down; necessary to refresh nutrients and improve drainage.

Checklist

Use fresh mix; check root health; ensure drainage holes; water lightly after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Use distilled water; check soil dryness; ensure drainage; avoid leaf wetting

How to Apply Water Properly

Water thoroughly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; allow excess to drain completely; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a fine nozzle to avoid disturbing the sticky leaf surfaces.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water when the top inch of soil is dry; reduce frequency in winter dormancy; ensure water drains freely to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; use peat or sphagnum moss for acidity; avoid organic matter that retains too much moisture.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, leaf curling, reduced sticky secretion, or cessation of growth.

Cold Stress

Slows metabolism; may cause leaf discoloration; prolonged cold can damage roots.

Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate pot; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.

Hot Stress

Stagnates growth; may cause leaves to shrivel or brown; reduces carnivorous trapping.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but ensure drainage.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; avoid direct leaf contact; fertilize only in active growth.

Fertilizing Method

Generally not needed due to carnivorous nature; if feeding, use diluted insecticide-free liquid fertilizer monthly in growing season.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Pinguicula longifolia may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's overall health and carnivorous capabilities.

Wilting in Pinguicula longifolia is often a sign of water stress, either due to drought or overwatering, which can impair nutrient uptake and photosynthesis.

Leaf spots on Pinguicula longifolia may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, reducing photosynthetic surface area and potentially spreading to other parts of the plant.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Pinguicula longifolia due to excessive moisture or poor drainage, leading to plant decline and potential death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Pinguicula longifolia is not toxic to cats. The plant does not pose any health risks to felines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are needed for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Pinguicula longifolia is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any compounds harmful to canines.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are needed for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Pinguicula longifolia is not considered toxic to humans. The plant is carnivorous but poses no significant health risks upon contact or ingestion.

⚡ Toxic If:

None

No special precautions are needed for handling or growing this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I care for Pinguicula longifolia?

A: Provide bright, indirect light, keep the soil consistently moist with distilled or rainwater, and maintain moderate humidity.

Q: Is Pinguicula longifolia toxic to pets?

A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.

Q: Why are the leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or insufficient light.

Quick Reference
Family: Lentibulariaceae
Care: moderate
Light: partial shade to full sun
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["collectors/enthusiasts","indoor plant lovers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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