“Ping flower” is the common name for Pinguicula, or butterworts. These unique carnivorous plants are a fascinating addition to collections due to their intriguing appearance and growth habits.
Understanding “Ping Flower”
“Ping flower” refers to Pinguicula, a genus of carnivorous plants with rosette forms and vibrant, sticky leaves. Tiny glands on these leaves secrete a mucilaginous substance, trapping small insects like gnats and fruit flies. The plant then digests prey, absorbing scarce nutrients.
Pinguicula flowers are delicate and orchid-like, emerging on stalks above the sticky foliage to avoid trapping pollinators. They come in various colors, including blue, violet, white, pink, and yellow. Most species form compact, small rosettes.
Caring for Pinguicula
Pinguicula prefer moderately bright, indirect light. An east or west-facing window provides suitable morning or late-day sun, preventing scorched leaves from intense midday light. For artificial lighting, LED grow lights (18-24 watts/sq ft, 12 inches from plants) offer consistent illumination.
Water Pinguicula with distilled, reverse osmosis (RO), or rainwater due to their sensitivity to tap water minerals. The tray method, where the pot sits in 1-2 inches of water, is recommended for bottom absorption. Avoid top watering, especially for smaller plants, to prevent rot from water pooling in the rosette. Mexican Pinguicula can tolerate brief drying, but bog butterworts need consistent moisture.
Pinguicula require a nutrient-poor, well-draining substrate to prevent root rot. Common Mexican Pinguicula mixes include equal parts peat, coarse sand, and perlite, or a blend of sand, peat moss, pumice, and perlite. Some growers add vermiculite, lava rock, or calcium sources like oyster shells for limestone-dwelling species. Avoid regular potting soil due to its nutrient content and fertilizers.
Pinguicula prefer 55-85°F (13-29°C), tolerating higher temperatures if soil stays moist and they avoid intense direct sunlight. While some species need high humidity, many, especially Mexican varieties, adapt to lower humidity if roots are consistently moist. Good air circulation prevents fungal issues, particularly in humid settings.
Flowering and Dormancy
Pinguicula typically flower once mature, which can take 1-2 years. They produce attractive, orchid-like blooms on stalks above the foliage. Bloom duration varies by species, often lasting several weeks. Adequate light, consistent care, and natural seasonal cycles influence flowering.
Many Pinguicula species, especially Mexican varieties, undergo a dormant “succulent phase” during cooler, drier months. Carnivorous leaves are replaced by a compact rosette of smaller, non-carnivorous leaves. This adaptation conserves moisture and aids survival when insect prey is scarce. Growth slows, and sticky dew production may cease. Some species, like Pinguicula gigantea, maintain carnivorous leaves year-round.
Propagation and Troubleshooting
Pinguicula are often propagated using leaf pullings, similar to succulents. Gently detach a healthy leaf, ensuring the white growth point base is intact. Place pullings on a damp substrate (e.g., vermiculite and perlite) or a moist paper towel in a sealed container for humidity. New plantlets emerge from the leaf base in weeks to months. Division of mature rosettes is another method, especially when plants naturally split.
Common Pinguicula issues include leaves losing stickiness (insufficient humidity or improper watering) and rot (overwatering, especially if water collects in the rosette or soil is waterlogged). Good drainage and allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings (for Mexican varieties) prevent rot. Lack of flowering indicates immaturity or insufficient light. Pests like aphids are treated with physical removal or carnivorous plant-safe treatments.