๐ฟ Pinguicula gigantea โ Terrarium Care Sheet
Family: Lentibulariaceae
Origin: Mexico (Sierra Madre Oriental region)
Growth Habit: Large terrestrial butterwort; forms broad, succulent leaves up to 15โ20 cm across
Feeding: Carnivorous โ traps small insects on sticky leaf surfaces for nutrients
Flowering: Violet to lavender flowers; blooms periodically throughout the year
โ Ideal Terrarium Conditions
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 18โ28 ยฐC ideal (can tolerate short drops to 15 ยฐC) |
| Humidity | 60โ85%; tolerates moderate humidity compared to most Pinguicula |
| Light | Bright, indirect light (1000โ2000 foot-candles) โ avoid harsh direct sun |
| Airflow | Gentle, consistent airflow; helps prevent fungal growth |
| Terrarium Type | Best in open or semi-closed terrarium with bright light and good ventilation |
๐ฑ Substrate & Planting
Best setup:
A loose, airy mix with excellent drainage โ examples:
2 parts perlite or pumice
1 part peat moss or coco peat
Optional: add crushed limestone or oyster shell (helps stabilize pH)
Alternative:
Pure mineral mix (pumice + lava rock + sand) for drier setups.
Avoid compact or soggy substrates.
Do not use rich or fertilized soil โ roots are sensitive.
๐ง Watering
Keep soil lightly moist, never waterlogged.
Use pure water (RO, rain, or distilled).
Water from below or gently around the base โ avoid splashing leaves.
In winter or during dormancy, reduce watering frequency to prevent rot.
๐ฌ Air Movement
Ensure light air circulation to reduce mold and algae on leaves.
Avoid stagnant air, especially in closed terrariums.
Slightly open lids or small fans on low settings work well.
๐ธ Flowering & Growth Cycle
Flowers appear on tall stalks and last several weeks.
P. gigantea may enter a semi-dormant phase in cooler, drier conditions โ leaves become smaller and less sticky.
Resume higher humidity and watering as growth restarts.
๐งช Feeding
Do not fertilize soil โ instead, allow it to catch small insects naturally.
Supplement occasionally with fine powdered fish food or dried bloodworm dusted on leaves (optional).
Feeding every few weeks encourages faster, healthier growth.
โ ๏ธ Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Leaf rot or melting | Overwatering / poor airflow | Improve drainage and ventilation |
| Leaves pale or weak | Too little light | Move to brighter indirect light |
| Sticky traps dry or inactive | Low humidity | Increase misting or humidity level |
| Mold on leaves | Stagnant air / excess moisture | Increase ventilation |
โ Terrarium Tips
Ideal centerpiece for Mexican Pinguicula collections.
Combine with species like P. esseriana, P. moranensis, or P. laueana.
Keep slightly drier substrate than tropical orchids or mossy setups.
Avoid placing directly under dripping water or heavy mist lines.
๐ฏ Looking for a showy carnivorous plant that thrives in bright, humid conditions?
Pinguicula gigantea lives up to its name โ bold, easy, and mesmerizing with its glistening leaves and elegant blooms!