Pinguicula Tina ‘Mexican Butterwort’

Pinguicula ‘Tina’: The Hybrid Mexican Butterwort

 

Pinguicula ‘Tina’ is a popular hybrid of Pinguicula agnata and Pinguicula zecheri, making it a tough and beautiful carnivorous plant. Known for its easy care and stunning, sticky leaves that trap insects, it’s an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced carnivorous plant enthusiasts. Its bright, lime-green leaves and delicate purple or pink flowers make it a visually appealing addition to any collection.

 

Introduction:

 

The Pinguicula ‘Tina’, commonly referred to as a Mexican Butterwort, is a carnivorous plant that traps insects on its sticky leaves. The plant absorbs nutrients from its prey, which helps it survive in nutrient-poor soil. With its rosette of flat, fleshy leaves and charming, orchid-like flowers, this hybrid species is both functional and decorative, making it a favorite among carnivorous plant collectors.

 

History:

 

Pinguicula ‘Tina’ is a hybrid created from crossing Pinguicula agnata with Pinguicula zecheri. Both parent species are native to Mexico, where they grow in rocky, mountainous regions with poor, alkaline soils. This hybrid combines the best features of both species, such as easy propagation, beautiful flowers, and hardiness, which has made it one of the most widely grown Pinguicula species in cultivation.

 

Care Outline:

 

Light:

 

• Pinguicula ‘Tina’ thrives in bright, indirect light, though it can tolerate some direct morning sunlight. Strong light encourages compact growth and promotes flowering, while low light can make the plant leggy. A south-facing window (if lightly filtered) or an east-facing window works well.

• If growing indoors under grow lights, provide at least 12-14 hours of light per day.

 

Water:

 

• Like other carnivorous plants, Pinguicula ‘Tina’ requires pure water (distilled, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water) to prevent mineral buildup, which can damage the plant.

• Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Use the tray method by placing the pot in a shallow tray of water during the growing season. In the winter months, reduce watering and allow the soil to dry out a bit between waterings.

 

Humidity:

 

• This plant prefers moderate humidity levels around 50%–70%, but it is quite tolerant of lower indoor humidity compared to other carnivorous plants. If you live in a dry environment, occasional misting or a humidity tray can help, but it’s not necessary in most cases.

 

Temperature:

 

• Pinguicula ‘Tina’ thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C). It can tolerate cooler temperatures in the winter down to 40°F (4°C), though it should be protected from frost. Like most Mexican Pinguicula, this plant does not require a cold dormancy period, but it does enter a dormant phase with succulent-like, non-carnivorous leaves during winter.

 

Soil:

 

• Use a well-draining, nutrient-poor soil mix, such as a combination of 50% peat moss and 50% perlite or pumice. Some growers use a mix of cactus soil, perlite, and sand to provide even better drainage.

• Avoid nutrient-rich potting soils, as this plant relies on catching insects for nutrients and cannot tolerate high-nutrient soil.

 

Feeding:

 

• Pinguicula ‘Tina’ traps small insects on its sticky leaves, which it digests to supplement its nutrient intake. If grown indoors and not exposed to enough prey, you can feed it small amounts of dried bloodworms, fish food flakes, or freeze-dried insects every few weeks.

• Avoid fertilizers, as they will harm the plant.

 

Dormancy:

 

• Pinguicula ‘Tina’ undergoes a seasonal change known as succulent dormancy in the winter. During this time, the plant forms tighter, succulent-like leaves that are less carnivorous.

• During this phase, reduce watering and keep the soil slightly drier than during the growing season. The plant will resume normal carnivorous growth in spring.

 

Propagation:

 

1. Leaf Pullings:

 

• Best Time: Spring or early summer, during active growth.

• Steps:

1. Gently pull a healthy leaf off from the base of the plant, ensuring you get the “heel” (the base of the leaf).

2. Place the leaf on moist sphagnum moss, a peat-perlite mix, or simply on damp paper towels.

3. Mist lightly and keep it in a bright spot with indirect light and high humidity.

4. Within a few weeks, new plantlets will form at the base of the leaf.

 

2. Division:

 

• Best Time: During repotting in early spring.

• Steps: When the plant produces multiple rosettes, you can gently separate them and plant each in its own pot.

 

Growth and Appearance:

 

• Pinguicula ‘Tina’ forms a neat rosette of fleshy leaves, typically 2–5 inches in diameter. The leaves are light green with a sticky, glandular surface that captures small insects like gnats and fruit flies.

• One of the main attractions of Pinguicula ‘Tina’ is its beautiful flowers, which are typically light purple or pink with a white throat. The flowers rise above the rosette on long stalks and resemble small orchids or violets.

 

Pests and Diseases:

 

• Pinguicula ‘Tina’ is generally pest-resistant due to its carnivorous nature. However, it can occasionally suffer from fungus gnats if overwatered or kept in overly moist conditions.

• Aphids may attack the flowers, and fungal issues like root rot can occur if the plant is kept too wet during dormancy.

 

Ideal Conditions for Pinguicula ‘Tina’:

 

• Light: Bright, indirect light with some direct morning sunlight.

• Water: Pure water (distilled, rainwater, reverse osmosis), keep soil moist during growing season, reduce watering in winter.

• Humidity: Moderate humidity (50%–70%), adaptable to lower levels.

• Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-poor mix (peat/perlite or pumice).

• Temperature: 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 29°C).

 

Conclusion:

 

Pinguicula ‘Tina’ is a beautiful and hardy carnivorous plant, perfect for both beginners and experienced growers. Its ease of care, coupled with its insect-trapping abilities and striking flowers, makes it a favorite for carnivorous plant collections. By providing bright light, pure water, and well-draining soil, you can enjoy a healthy, blooming Pinguicula ‘Tina’ for years to come.