Pinguicula esseriana

Pinguicula esseriana is one of the cutest and most compact of all Mexican Pinguicula, with a small, tight round rosette that is pink in very bright lighting and green otherwise. It propagates very easily from the succulent winter leaves!

This is a miniature species, and the plants for sale are around 1/2" - 1" across.

Measuring 1-2" across, these remarkable plants will be shipped bare-root, ensuring their safe arrival.

WATER
One of the remarkable traits of this butterwort is its affinity for wet conditions. Thriving in boggy environments, P. esseriana prefers consistently damp soil, making it essential to keep the potted plants in a tray or dish of water. Maintaining the right moisture levels is crucial for their well-being.

To meet their specific water requirements, it is recommended to use water that is very low in salt and other minerals. Distilled, rain, or reverse osmosis water is highly advised, particularly if you reside outside of San Francisco.

LIGHT
Pinguicula esseriana demands abundant bright light to flourish. Providing 4-5 hours of direct sunlight on a windowsill is the optimal choice. Alternatively, if shielded from wind and freezing temperatures, these butterworts can be grown outdoors in full sun. Indoors, they can also thrive under the illumination of bright fluorescent or LED lights.

TEMPERATURE
Noteworthy is the exceptional temperature tolerance of P. esseriana. With ease, it withstands scorching daytime temperatures exceeding 100°F, as long as its soil remains adequately wet. Even chilly nights dipping into the high 40s pose no problem for these resilient plants. However, it is vital to shield them from freezing temperatures, as they are not resilient to extreme cold.

FOOD
A distinguishing characteristic of butterworts is their ability to thrive on the nutrients derived from bugs. P. esseriana is no exception. In outdoor environments, these plants will efficiently catch prey on their own. Indoor plants may also capture some insects. Should you desire to supplement their diet, feeding them bugs such as swatted flies or freeze-dried mealworms is recommended. Additionally, betta fish pellets made from krill or misting the plants with a 1/4 strength orchid fertilizer can provide supplementary nourishment. However, be cautious not to fertilize through the roots, as it may harm or even kill butterworts.

DORMANCY
 P. esseriana produces non-carnivorous “succulent like” leaves during the winter. This winter period is characterized by a slowdown in growth and a change in leaf morphology. It is crucial to provide appropriate conditions for dormancy, including slightly reduced watering and slightly lower light levels. While P. esseriana does not have a fully dormant period like some other species, it does exhibit a seasonal change in leaf form, which can be considered a form of dormancy.

MATURE SIZE
Attaining a mature size of 1-2 inches in diameter, P. esseriana displays its unique beauty within small stature.

SOIL
To ensure the well-being of these butterworts, it is crucial to avoid using commercial potting soils. Many of these soils contain fertilizers or minerals that can be harmful to the plants. Instead, opt for a potting mix based on long-fiber Sphagnum moss or fertilizer-free Sphagnum peat. Repotting every 2-3 years is generally recommended for most carnivorous plants, including P. esseriana.

These plants will be shipped bare-root