PlantFiles: Butterwort
Pinguicula 'Weser'

This carnivorous plant forms a semi-erect rosette of sticky diamond-shaped leaves that may turn a coppery color in bright light. Hapless insects are caught in the gooey droplets along the upper edges, then digested by the plant for nutrients. 'Weser' is a hybrid with dark pink blooms.

Pinguiculas are generally perennial plants, but there are some annuals. 'Weser' is a hybrid of the moranensis which is native to Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. In its natural habitat, this plant would grow in fog-shrouded forests on the trunks of trees or on mossy limestone cliffs.

These Pinguiculas are some of the easiest to grow. They have heterophyllus leaves, the summer leaves being carnivorous and the winter leaves being succulent, and not carniverous. When in the carnivorous state, keep this plant humid (60%) and warm (above 68 degrees F.). During the non-carnivorous state, keeping it cooler and dryer.

Keep the plant medium moist, but allow for drainage. Trapping water with a tray can promote root rot. Let it dry out a bit between waterings. Opinions vary on the best growth method. Some growers utilize wood or wire covered with moss, others a coarse rock mixture.