Pinguiculas, also known as fatsillas, are small carnivorous plants that stand out for the elegance of their rosette-shaped leaves and the beauty of their flowers. Although they go unnoticed due to their innocent appearance, they hide a lethal capture method: their leaves secrete sticky mucilage that traps small insects, which they digest to obtain nutrients in poor soils.
General characteristics and origin of the Pinguicula
Pinguicula It is a genus with more than 80 species distributed throughout America, Europe, Asia and some areas of Africa. They usually develop in humid environments, such as stream banks or peat areas. Its fleshy leaves form a low rosette, covered in thousands of tiny hairs that secrete sticky droplets. When it catches prey, the plant secretes digestive enzymes that break down the insect and subsequently absorbs the resulting nutrients.
There are two large groups within the genus:
- Nordic or temperate species: They enter dormancy with the arrival of cold weather, forming small resistance buds and stopping their growth until spring. Examples: pinguicula grandiflora, P. vulgaris, P. alpina.
- Subtropical and Mexican speciesThey don't require winter cold and maintain fleshy leaves year-round. They are notable for their wide variety of species, many of which are endemic to Mexico.
The flowers of the Pinguicula They are usually solitary, upright, and come in bright colors like violet, blue, white, or pink. They serve a dual purpose: to decorate and to prevent pollinators from getting trapped in their leaves.
Essential care of the Pinguicula
To be successful in growing a Pinguicula, it is essential to know its needs. light, water, substratum y temperature, adapting each variable to the type of species.
- Luz: It requires a lot of light but avoid direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves. Ideally, place it next to a window with filtered light or use artificial light (cool-spectrum LEDs with >1200 lumens, 12 to 16 hours daily). Temperate species can be kept outdoors if protected from intense sun.
- Temperature: Mexican women prefer warm temperatures between 18 and 25 ° C Actively growing, tolerating mild winter declines. Temperate varieties require cold winters for dormancy (below 10°C). More on how to care for carnivorous plants in winter.
- Humidity: The optimal range is 50 to 70%, with greater tolerance in Mexican women. A humidifier can help in dry environments.
- Irrigation: Always use distilled, rainwater or osmosis water with low mineralization (less than 100 ppm). The tray method is ideal: place the pot on a tray with 1-2 cm of water and allow it to be absorbed by capillary action. Let the substrate dry slightly between waterings to prevent rot, especially in Mexican species. In winter, reduce watering to a minimum.
- Substratum: Use mixtures very draining and poor in nutrientsFor Mexican species, mix 1 part blond peat, 1 part perlite or quartz sand, and 1 part vermiculite. For temperate species, mix two parts peat and one part aerator. What carnivorous plants need to grow.
Hibernation and seasonal changes
During the winter, temperate species stop growing and form small hibernacula, while Mexican species change their carnivorous leaves to non-sticky, succulent-like leaves. This process is vital to their survivalDuring this period, it's key to reduce watering and keep them in a cool environment with fewer hours of light.
Feeding and fertilization
Pinguiculas feed on small insects trapped on their leaves, such as fruit flies, mosquitoes, or fungus gnats, thus obtaining the nutrients that the substrate cannot provide. They do not need fertilizers, neither foliar nor in the substrate. The use of fertilizers can cause severe damage or death to the plant. If the plant is in an enclosed space and does not hunt insects, it can be occasionally fed with small live or dead insects.
Transplant and maintenance
The transplant must be performed every 1 or 2 years, preferably at the end of the dormancy period or at the beginning of spring. Always use low plastic or glazed ceramic pots to prevent salt buildup. Avoid handling the roots, which are delicate and shallow. Carefully clean dry leaves to prevent rot and maintain the plant's aesthetics.
Common problems and pests
The Pinguicula is resistant Most pests are repellent. However, aphids, spider mites, and snails may appear, especially outdoors. If you detect any pests, use mild insecticides or home remedies such as garlic water. Excess moisture causes mold and rot; ensure good ventilation and aerated substrates.
Easy and effective reproduction
- Division of suckers: After flowering, small shoots emerge next to the mother plant that you can separate and plant in new substrate while maintaining similar environmental conditions.
- Leaf cuttingsCarefully remove a leaf and place it in a moist, well-lit potting soil. Within a few weeks, small shoots and roots will appear. Non-carnivorous Mexican leaves are usually the best for cuttings.
- SeedsSome species produce seeds through self-pollination. To increase success, perform hand pollination and start sowing in a warm, moist substrate. Temperate species require cold stratification prior to germination.
