Carnivorous Plants

Pinguicula x 'Weser'

General

Pinguicula x 'Weser' is one of the most beloved butterwort hybrids among carnivorous plant enthusiasts. This hybrid (a cross between Pinguicula ehlersiae and Pinguicula moranensis) dazzles with its jewel-like leaves and frequent blooms, making it a perfect choice for windowsill growers and collectors alike. Its ease of care, forgiving nature, and charming pink flowers set it apart as an excellent introduction to carnivorous plants.

Physical Characteristics

This charming plant forms neat, low rosettes, typically ranging from 3 to 5 inches in diameter. The succulent leaves are broad, flat, and rounded with a distinctly greasy, sticky surface—a natural flypaper trap. Depending on conditions, the foliage may display vivid lime-green to blushing pink or red hues, intensified under strong light.

Flowers appear several times each year. These blooms are trumpet-shaped with a deep magenta-pink color, boasting a graceful floral form that lifts well above the rosette on slender stalks.

Lifestyle

Like other butterworts, this hybrid preys on small insects. Its leaves are covered with minute glandular hairs that constantly exude mucilage. Unsuspecting bugs are ensnared on contact, and enzymes on the leaf surface digest the victim, drawing vital nutrients that supplement the poor soils where these plants typically grow.

When not catching insects, this hybrid happily photosynthesizes and sometimes produces "non-carnivorous" leaves (with fewer sticky glands) during certain growth phases or conditions.

Habitat and Protection

In its native parentage, Pinguicula grows in limestone-rich, rocky habitats or on mossy cliffs in Mexico, where fluctuating temperatures, occasional mist, and bright light are common. Growing it indoors or on a protected patio will keep it safe from pests and extreme temperatures. Avoid frost, harsh midday sun, and locations with poor air circulation.

Cultivation

This butterwort thrives in small pots or shallow trays, making it well-suited to windowsills and terrariums. It does not require sophisticated equipment—just free-draining, mineral-rich soil and careful watering. With minimal effort, you'll be rewarded by its lively leaves and frequent, showy flowers.

Special Features

• Frequent Flowering: Exceptionally floriferous; flowers several times per year.
• Variable Leaf Coloration: Foliage develops deep red or pink pigments in bright light.
• Forgiving Growth: Tolerates a broad range of humidity, light, and temperatures.
• Compact Size: Perfect for small spaces and windowsills.

Care

Light

Bright, filtered light is ideal. Some morning or late afternoon direct sun will encourage red or pink leaf tints—but avoid scorching midday rays, especially behind glass. Fluorescent or LED grow lights (12-16 hours/day) can also work well.

Temperature

Comfortable room temperatures (15–27°C / 59–80°F) are perfect. It can handle brief dips as low as 5°C (41°F) but will suffer in prolonged cold or heat above 32°C (90°F). Protect from frost at all times.

Water

Always use rainwater, distilled, or reverse-osmosis water. Keep the soil just moist during active growth; standing the pot in a shallow tray of water (up to 1 cm deep) works well. Allow the substrate surface to dry slightly between waterings, especially in winter.

Soil

A well-draining but moisture-retentive mix is essential. A classic choice is 2:1 perlite:vermiculite or pure vermiculite, sometimes with added coarse sand or a little sphagnum moss. Avoid peat-based, rich organic, or standard "potting" soils.

Nutrition

No fertilizer is necessary, and chemical fertilizers can harm roots. Your plant will gather nourishment from the insects it catches. If grown indoors where insects are scarce, you may occasionally offer a tiny dead insect or sprinkle dried bloodworm on leaves—never feed meat or dairy.

Humidity

Prefers moderate to high humidity (50–80%) but adapts to normal household humidity if kept well-watered and not exposed to dry drafts. Avoid misting the leaves, which can wash away trapping mucilage.

Dormancy

Unlike some butterworts, this hybrid does not require a true winter dormancy. Growth may slow naturally in winter, often with smaller, tighter "succulent" leaves, but simply reduce watering and keep temperatures above 10°C (50°F).

Common Problems

Leaf tips dry out or brown
Cause: Air too dry or erratic watering.
Solution: Boost humidity with a tray of water or group with other plants. Keep soil consistently but lightly moist.

Sticky mucus disappears from leaves
Cause: Misted directly or watered overhead, washing away mucilage.
Solution: Water only the soil; never spray the leaves.

Leaves discolor or burn
Cause: Too much direct sunlight without gradual acclimatization.
Solution: Allow the plant to gradually get used to brighter light by slowly increasing its exposure to direct sunlight.

Leaf edges curl or look withered
Cause: Soil too dry or water too salty/mineral-rich.
Solution: Use only purified water and keep substrate evenly moist.

No flowers produced
Cause: Too little light or nutrition.
Solution: Increase brightness and, if indoors, occasionally feed with a small insect.

Pest infestations (aphids, fungus gnats)
Cause: Occasional pests may appear, particularly in close quarters.
Solution: Remove pests by hand or use insecticidal soap safe for carnivorous plants.