Pinguiculas

[Eric Williams]

I have half a doz or so of the above plants in my g/h, all of the same species. I do not know if they are Mexican or non Mexican. I have read they need different growing methods. Is there one method that would suit both ? Is there a compost I can make up with normal compost materials, JI 2 etc, as I cannot get around to purchase some of the exotic additives etc. Thanks

[purzo]

Do you have a picture Eric? Temperate and Mexicans would have different requirements. I grew most of my Mexicans in mostly inorganic mix for many years. In my experience they remained fairly small in that mix. I'm now using a mix based on peat and JI2 in which some are growing much bigger presumably because of the extra nutrients, but others have actually declined. I'll dig out my actual recipes tomorrow when I have a bit more time.

[FredG]

Definitely need a picture or two

What happens to them in winter?

[Eric Williams]

Flowering last year, but deteriorating, that's why I need a re pot soon. In Winter they shrivel up, and some leaves die and turn brown. They soon buck

up in Spring. Apologies for picture orientation.

[FredG]

In winter the temperate Pinguicula leaves will have totally died off and the plant will form a hibernacula surrounded by gemmae. They will also die back if too hot.
The Mexican Pinguicula will lose their carnivorous leaves and make a tight Sempervivum-like crown of non carnivorous leaves. In spring the much larger carnivorous leaves will grow from the centre. These plants are brilliant at removing infections of whitefly.

Re-pot when the plants are in winter mode. Separately plant the gemmae on the soil surface or remove a few winter leaves off the Mexican type as leaf cuttings ( pullings if you're American).

A standard compost of Sphagnum Moss Peat, grit, sand 2-1-1 is suitable for both kinds although a little JI2 can be added for Mexicans. I've never found it necessary to play about with other ( all mineral) composts.

Your plant/s look/s like one of the Garden Centre hybrid Mexicans.


Bonus :- Pinguicula laueanna - pink form.



Red Form

[el48tel]

A useful site for information and supply of carnivorous plants of the native UK and foreign varieties is
wackswickedplants.co.uk
Their plants are excellent .... mail order is first rate.

[Eric Williams]

Thanks Fred, very interesting information. I have sent you a PM. Cheers

[Eric Williams]

Apologies Fred. Could have gone by e mail ? Cheers

[FredG]

Send again Eric, nothing at this end

[Eric Williams]

Done. Cheers