Pinguicula ‘Hanka’ is a carnivorous plant, popular for its unique appearance and forgiving nature. This hybrid butterwort displays a rosette of sticky, dewy leaves. Its distinctive foliage and delicate flowers make it a beautiful addition to any collection.
What is Pinguicula hanka?
Pinguicula ‘Hanka’ is a hybrid Mexican butterwort, a cross between Pinguicula zecheri and Pinguicula rotundiflora. This perennial cultivar forms a rosette of leaves that vary between sticky, carnivorous leaves in warm, wet months and a compact, succulent rosette in cooler, drier periods. Its leaves are typically large and oval, sometimes blushing purplish-red at their tips. It produces pink or lavender flowers with ruffled edges and a yellowish stripe, often blooming in November, trapping small insects like fungus gnats with its sticky leaves.
Pinguicula hanka Care Guide
Light
Pinguicula ‘Hanka’ thrives in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window, providing gentle morning sun, is ideal. Direct, harsh midday sun can scorch delicate leaves. Many growers use LED grow lights for consistent illumination, typically 12-16 hours daily. If light intensity is too low, the plant’s vibrant coloration might fade, though it remains healthy.
Watering
Watering Pinguicula ‘Hanka’ is crucial, as these carnivorous plants are sensitive to mineral buildup. Use only pure water sources like distilled, reverse osmosis (RO), or rainwater, with a total dissolved solids (TDS) content under 50 ppm. The tray method is recommended: place the pot in a shallow tray with 1-2 inches of water, allowing the plant to absorb moisture from the bottom. Allow the tray to dry out for a few days between waterings, especially during the succulent winter phase, to ensure root oxygenation and prevent rot.
Growing Medium
A specialized growing medium is important for Pinguicula hanka due to its carnivorous nature and sensitivity to nutrients. Avoid traditional nutrient-rich potting soil, as it can harm the plant. An ideal mix typically consists of peat moss combined with inorganic components like perlite, pumice, or sand in roughly equal parts or with a higher proportion of inorganic material. Successful mixes include two parts perlite to one part peat and one part silica sand. This well-draining, low-nutrient substrate mimics its natural habitat, preventing mineral accumulation.
Temperature and Humidity
Pinguicula ‘Hanka’ prefers temperatures from 55°F to 85°F (13°C to 29°C). While it tolerates slightly higher temperatures, ensure moist soil and protection from direct sunlight. For humidity, Pinguicula hanka adapts to a range of levels, often thriving in typical household humidity. Providing 50-80% humidity, especially during active growth, can be beneficial, but sufficient airflow is necessary to prevent fungal issues and leaf rot.
Feeding
Pinguicula ‘Hanka’ often catches enough small insects naturally, making supplemental feeding unnecessary, especially if grown outdoors. If kept indoors and not catching enough prey, occasionally offer small insects like dried bloodworms or fish food. Feed sparingly (every 2-3 weeks), applying specialized carnivorous plant food directly to the leaves, avoiding the soil. Overfeeding can lead to rotting or leaf damage.
Troubleshooting Pinguicula hanka Problems
If leaves turn brown or black, it could indicate too much direct sunlight, mineral burn from tap water, or root rot from overwatering. Lack of stickiness (leaves losing their dewy appearance) often suggests insufficient humidity or improper watering. Stunted growth may point to inadequate light or a need for fresh, nutrient-free potting medium.
Pests are generally less common, but aphids, mealybugs, or fungus gnats can occasionally become a problem. For aphids and mealybugs, carefully dab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. While the plant often manages fungus gnats, persistent infestations might require reducing soil moisture. Good air circulation helps deter most pest and fungal issues.
Propagating Pinguicula hanka
Propagating Pinguicula ‘Hanka’ is simple, with leaf pullings being the most common and effective method. This involves gently detaching a healthy, mature leaf from the plant’s outer edge, ensuring the white base where it connects to the stem is intact. The ideal time to take pullings is often in spring, just before or as new carnivorous leaves emerge.
Once a leaf is removed, lay it on a moist, specialized carnivorous plant medium (e.g., vermiculite and perlite mix), or a damp paper towel in a sealed container to maintain high humidity. New plantlets will eventually sprout from the leaf’s base. Division is another method: established plants that have naturally split into multiple rosettes can be carefully separated during repotting. This method is best performed in late spring after flowering.