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 may 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 : Not
yet
Multiplication
:
I have never succeeded up to now in pollinating the flowers of this Pinguicula.
So I don't know how the seeds look like. 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 the totality of the leaf particularly with it's white base as the
new plantlets will sprout from this
area. Don't try with the summer leaves, it is harder.
