Pinguicula ‘Tangerine’ x cyclosecta

Pinguicula ‘Tangerine’ × cyclosecta

Mexican Butterwort

Pinguicula laueana ‘Tangerine’ × cyclosecta is a compact carnivorous hybrid with a jewel-like rosette that develops rich violet and deep purple tones in strong light. Mature plants produce delicate violet flowers held above the foliage, adding another layer of charm to this miniature collector plant.

During active growth, its leaves are coated in sticky secretions that capture and digest tiny insects, including adult fungus gnats. This is a newer hybrid and uncommon to find! Color varies with lighting and growing conditions.

Care

Light: Bright gentle light, with some mild morning sun. A grow light can help develop the richest purple coloration. Acclimate gradually to stronger light and protect from hot afternoon sun.

Water: Keep the growing medium lightly moist while the plant has broad, sticky leaves. A shallow water tray works well with an airy butterwort mix. If it develops a tight rosette of smaller, succulent leaves, reduce watering and let the tray remain dry between waterings. Follow the plant’s growth rather than the calendar.

Soil: Use a porous Mexican butterwort mix containing mineral ingredients such as pumice, perlite, and sand. Good drainage matters; Mexican butterworts are not bog plants.

Seasonal growth: This hybrid may enter a succulent resting phase, often during winter. Its smaller leaves are less effective at trapping insects, and it needs less water during this stage. Flowering depends on maturity and growing conditions rather than a guaranteed schedule.

Water quality: Distilled, reverse-osmosis, or clean rainwater is a dependable choice. Avoid softened water. Hetch hetchy Bay Area water is also OK.

Bay Area growing: Best grown indoors in a bright window or under a grow light. Typical household humidity is usually sufficient without an enclosed terrarium. Protect outdoor plants from cold nights and prolonged winter rain.

Feeding: The insects it catches provide supplemental nutrients. Avoid routine houseplant fertilizer and do not feed meat or other human foods.

A note on fungus gnats: Butterworts catch adults, but they do not eliminate larvae living in your other plants’ soil. Treat them as a helpful companion to your pest-management routine.