Pinguicula sp

Pinguicula

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TAXONOMY:

Family : Lentibulariaceae

Genus : Pinguicula

Name : not yet published

Sub-classification (Casper) : link

Publication : not yet published

DESCRIPTION :

- soon -

ORIGIN AND HISTORY :

No data

Map / LOCALISATION :

No data

HABITAT:

No data

Introduction in culture :

I found this plant in J.J. LABAT collection (manager of the famous French Nursery "Nature et Paysage"). He told me that he started growing this plant with seeds from Harald Weiner's seeds list. The plant might be originated from Guatemala.

CULTURE AND MULTIPLICATION :

(North hemisphere, France near Paris, in a polycarbonate greenhouse - see the map -)

Life cycle : The life cycle observed in culture for this Pinguicula consists of two seasons, one wet and the other dry (see link). The plant forms different leaf rosettes according to the season. During the resting months (winter) the small succulent rosette is composed of numerous non-carnivorous leaves. The carnivorous leaves are produced in spring and during all summer. The life cycle of the plant is probably similar in it's native habitat.

Media : I use a 100 % mineral media : 2 perlite, 2 vermiculite, 1 small sand (for aquarium), 1 fine white sand, 1 pouzzolane (volcanic lava), 1 aqualit (expansed ceramic for aquarium). The aqualit can be replaced by 1 of pouzzolane. Plants in this media grow slower but have a stronger root system.

Pot : plastic, colour terracotta, diameter 12.5cm, height 12cm.

Cultivation : I think that a slightly airy situation inside the greenhouse is important to avoid air stagnation. For this reason, I use a fan 24h/24h all the year round.

Watering is very important : from May to September (summer). I let the media drying slightly between two watering. I use rain water poured on the top of the pot taking care not to wet the rosette. From October to April, It is important to let the media drying completely (no watering) but with an atmospheric humidity of about 80%.

The mentioned months are indicative and can change according to your own growing conditions. In fact, when this Pinguicula begins to produce its non-carnivorous leaves, you have to stop watering and let the pot drying out completely. Inversely, when the plant begins to produce in early spring its carnivorous leaves, you have to progressively start watering again the pot.

Temperatures : during growth period, day temperatures are about 25°C but can reach 35°C when the sun is shining on the greenhouse in spite of the use of shading covers. Night temperatures are around 20°C. During resting period : day/night over freezing point. Lower temperature observed : - 4°C. I use an electronic petroleum heater to provide heat.

Flowering period : June 01; September 02.

Multiplication : I have never succeeded in pollinating the flowers of this Pinguicula. So I don't know the seeds. The plants can be propagated easily using non-carnivorous leaves separated from the rosette at the end of winter. You only have to carefully tear out all the leaf particularly with the white base. The new plantlets will sprout from this area. Don't try with the summer leaves, it is harder.