The NO B.S. care guide to growing BUTTERWORTS for CANADIANS!
Nature’s original sticky trap, pinguicula moranensis, or ‘Ping’ for short, also known as the Mexican Butterwort. In my opinion, the ‘prettiest’ of carnivorous plants. An exotic beauty native to Mexico and Central America, this charming plant is perfect for Canadian enthusiasts looking to expand their carnivorous plant family. With its captivating, sticky leaves that trap insects, Pinguicula moranensis is both a beautiful and functional addition to your home.
SCIENTIFIC NAME:
PINGUICULA MORANENSIS (PING-GWIK-YOU-LUH MORE-UH-NEN-SIS)
ORIGIN:
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA (ZONES 9-11)
SIZE:
HEIGHT: 2 – 4 INCHES (5 – 10 CM)
WIDTH: 4 – 6 INCHES (10 – 15 CM)
SOIL:
DO NOT USE REGULAR POTTING SOIL!! IT MAY CONTAIN NUTRIENTS.
Pinguicula moranensis thrive in nutrient-poor, well-draining soil. Use our Plant King Premium Carnivorous Soil Mix, specially formulated to provide the perfect environment for carnivorous plants. This mix ensures proper moisture retention and aeration, keeping your Butterwort happy and healthy. Alternatively, make your own basic mix with equal parts peat, perlite & sand.
LIGHT:
Place your Pinguicula moranensis in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, especially during the morning hours, but avoid harsh, midday sun to prevent leaf burn. A bright windowsill or under fluorescent lights works well.
WATER:
STAY AWAY FROM TAP WATER!! IT MAY BE TOO NUTRIENT DENSE.
Use only distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water contains minerals that can harm your plant. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. If you prefer to use tap water, ensure it has a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) reading below 90 PPM to avoid mineral buildup
HUMIDITY:
Pinguicula moranensis prefer moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50-70%. You can achieve this by placing the pot on a humidity tray or using a humidifier. Misting the plant occasionally can also help.
FEEDING:
NO FERTILIZER ALLOWED!
Do not use traditional fertilizers. Pinguicula moranensis get nutrients from the insects it traps on its leaves. You can supplement its diet with powdered freeze-dried bloodworms/crickets or fish food from the pet store. They do not require a large amount, so place a small piece on the leaf and let the plant do the rest.
POTS:
Choose a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot. Plastic or glazed ceramic pots work well. Avoid using unglazed terracotta pots, as they can leach minerals into the soil.
AVOID USING POROUS MATERIALS SUCH AS TERRA COTA, UNGLAZED CERAMIC, CLAY, CONCRETE OR METAL POTS!
WINTER CARE:
Pinguicula moranensis can tolerate cooler temperatures but should be protected from frost. Keep above 10 degrees Celsius. Reduce watering during the winter months as the plant’s growth slows.
F.A.Q:
Browning leaves can indicate too much direct sunlight or mineral buildup from tap water. Adjust light exposure and switch to distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water.
Yes, but only in mild climates free from frost. In Canada, it’s best to grow them indoors or move them outside only during the warmer months.
Pinguicula moranensis doesn’t need frequent feeding. An occasional insect, every few weeks, is sufficient to supplement its diet.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
IF YOU ARE REALLY LOVING LEARNING ABOUT CARNIVOROUS PLANTS AND WANT TO GO DEEPER, CHECK OUT AND JOIN THE ‘INTERNATIONAL CARNIVOROUS PLANT SOCIETY (ICPS)’.
NO TIME TO MAKE YOUR OWN CARNIVOROUS PLANT SOIL? WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!
WE CARRY CONVENIENTLY PACKAGED AND RESEALABLE 2 & 4 L BAGS. JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT FOR YOUR CARNIVOROUS FRIENDS!
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!