Plant Care
Jump to: Caring for Your Pinguicula | Caring for Your Sundew
Caring for Your Pinguicula
Pinguiculas, or more commonly known as butterworts, or simply "pings" are beautiful carnivorous plants known for their dewy leaves and vibrant flowers. The succulent like leaves are covered in tiny hairs that secrete a sticky mucilage used to attract and trap insects. Here's everything you need to keep yours thriving.
Light
Pinguiculas prefer bright, indirect light. A south or east facing windowsill works well, or 12–14 hours under grow lights. Avoid harsh direct afternoon sun, which can burn leaves.
Water
Always use distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water. Keep the soil slightly moist but never waterlogged. Many growers use the tray method by sitting the pot in a shallow tray with a small amount of water. Allow tray to dry out for 1-2 days before refilling water.
Soil
Use a nutrient-poor, well-draining mix. We use a blend of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and sand. Never use regular potting soil or fertilizer.
Bare Root Arrival
Plants are shipped bare root to prevent damage during transit. Upon arrival, pot it promptly in appropriate carnivorous plant mix and give it a gentle watering. It may look a little tired for the first week — this is normal. Place it in bright light and it will perk up quickly.
Feeding
Pinguiculas catch small insects and fungus gnats naturally with their sticky leaves. Indoors, you can occasionally offer a tiny pinch of dried bloodworms or fish food flakes.
Temperature & Humidity
Most pinguiculas are comfortable at typical indoor temperatures (60–85°F / 15–29°C). They tolerate average household humidity well, making them ideal windowsill plants.
Dormancy
As days shorten and temperatures cool, pinguiculas shift into succulent phase where the form tight rosettes of non-carnivorous leaves. This is completely normal and healthy. The plant is simply conserving energy.
Caring for Your Sundew
Sundews or Drosera, are captivating carnivorous plants with glistening, dew covered leaves that lure, trap, and digest insects. They're surprisingly easy and rewarding to grow.
Light
Sundews love bright light and can handle more direct sun than most carnivorous plants. A south-facing windowsill with several hours of direct sun is ideal. Under grow lights, aim for 12–16 hours of bright light daily. Good light keeps the tentacles deeply colored and active.
Water
Always use distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water. Sundews do well with the tray method: sit the pot in a shallow tray with 1–2 inches of water at all times. Unlike pinguiculas, sundews prefer to stay consistently wet.
Soil
Use a nutrient-poor, well-draining mix. We use a blend of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite, and sand. Never use regular potting soil or fertilizer.
Feeding
Sundews are active hunters and will catch small insects on their own near a window. Indoors, you can supplement with tiny amounts of dried bloodworms, freeze-dried insects, or fish food flakes placed directly on the leaves. Feed sparingly, once every 2–4 weeks on a leaf is plenty.
Temperature & Humidity
Most temperate and tropical sundews thrive at typical indoor temperatures (60–85°F / 15–29°C). Tropical species prefer consistent warmth year-round. Average household humidity is generally sufficient, though higher humidity encourages more vigorous dew production.
Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out anytime at info@prettylittlepings.com, we want your plant to thrive.