Predatory, treacherous and also a bit scary – many hobby gardeners have mixed feelings about carnivorous plants. But such carnivores, which belong to the genus of butterwort (Pinguicula), are still very popular with most garden enthusiasts. The lush green plants impress above all with their strikingly colored flowers, which are a real eye-catcher in the living room. Of the approximately 85 species of butterwort, the common butterwort is particularly popular. The small, greasy glossy leaves are arranged in a decorative leaf rosette and host pretty purple flowers.
Table of Contents
Types of butterwort – overview
The majority of the approximately 85 species of butterwort is native to Central America. – But the undemanding plants can also be found in large parts of Germany. Pinguicula lusitanica grows in the Atlantic coastal areas of Western Europe; this species impresses with the red veins that run through its rich green leaves and the pale pink flowers with yellow sap veins. The slender Pinguicula gypsicola can be found on pure wet gypsum rocks in Mexico. Pinguicula ramosa is mainly at home in the mountains, which is unique in its genus due to its branched, glandular hairy flower stalks. The flowers reach a size of up to one centimeter, with the upper sepal presented in three parts.
All species prefer biotopes that offer moist, sometimes even wet soil during the growing season. Like succulents, the leaves store moisture in nicely arranged winter rosettes, so that even periods of severe drought in winter can be survived. In contrast to other carnivores, a location that does not receive direct sunlight is ideal for most butterworts; many species prefer shaded or semi-shaded areas. With regard to the preferred substrate, there are some significant differences between the species:
- saures Substrate: P. vulgaris, P. lusitanica
- pure Gipsböden: P. gypsicola
- blanker Fels: P. ramosa, P. vallisneriifolia
Numerous species of butterwort are considered endangered. These include above all P. ramosa, P. casabitoana and P. fiorii, whose natural habitats are increasingly being destroyed. All species native to Germany enjoy special protection under the Federal Species Protection Ordinance.
Site and soil requirements
Originally native to Latin America in bog areas and between rock crevices, butterwort prefers a bright location in German living rooms, which should ideally be in partial shade. However, sunny areas are also tolerated as long as the plant does not receive direct sunlight. The plant feels particularly comfortable in a window seat. An east or west window, into which the sun can only penetrate for a limited time during the day, is best suited for cultivating butterwort. The plant thrives at temperatures between 18 and 30°C, with particularly good conditions being created when the humidity is also between 60 and 70 percent.
Ideally, butterwort is cultivated between various kitchen herbs on the windowsill; then the carnivorous plant catches, for example, fungus gnats, which are attracted to the spices. However, the plant only ensures a containment of the population. The larvae of the mosquitoes, which are in the ground, are spared by the trapping technique of the carnivores.
When cultivating between kitchen herbs, care should be taken to ensure that each plant gets its own pot. Certain herbs, such as thyme, prefer dry substrate, while butterwort thrives best in wet soil. In addition, the soil used for butterwort should have an acidic pH. Commercial carnivore soils or your own mixtures are particularly suitable. These can be made from peat and quartz sand; the usual mixing ratio is 1:1. Butterwort thrives particularly well if some clay is added to the substrate.
Watering, repotting, overwintering – optimal care
Butterwort generally requires very little maintenance. In summer, the plant should always be kept moist. In contrast to other carnivores, however, the plant does not tolerate waterlogging! For this reason, the individual portions of water should be dispensed carefully. Different types of water can be used for irrigation; Rainwater or well water is tolerated just as well as distilled water. Under no circumstances should watering be carried out with the help of highly calcareous tap water! Additional fertilization is not necessary. The nutrients are supplied by captured insects.
When overwintering the plant, the following aspects should be considered:
- cool location (temperatures between 10 and 12°C)
- keep moderately moist
- no fertilizer application
Regular repotting of the plant is also part of the optimal care of the common butterwort. This action should be performed once a year. Spring is best for this. However, repotting is only necessary when the plant has outgrown the current planter; then the plant is carefully lifted out of the pot. Special care must be taken here, since butterwort has very sensitive roots that could easily be damaged. Potting is then carried out in acidic substrate. Unfertilised, coarse-fibred white peat, which has a very low degree of decomposition, is particularly suitable. This substrate is particularly structurally stable; at the same time, the storage capacity for water is increased.
Propagation of butterwort
The plant can be propagated by leaf cuttings. To do this, a leaf is separated from the plant; Late summer or early fall is best. A sharp knife ensures a smooth cut. The leaf cutting must be separated from the shoot together with a piece of the stalk so that the shoot can be used well. Fresh, moist soil is used as the substrate, into which the cuttings are placed. This must be inserted so deep that only the leaf looks out of the ground. Both the soil and the young plant must then be kept well moist. The plant thrives best when additional protection against evaporation is attached; For this purpose, a plastic hood is placed over the cutting and fixed to the underside.
Alternatively, the common butterwort can also be propagated by seeds. The seed belongs to the light germs; Sufficient light is therefore required for successful germination. For this reason, the seeds are placed on the substrate; the seed is not covered with earth. In this way, enough light reaches the seeds. The seed is only lightly pressed.
Spring has proven to be the best time to plant butterwort. The pot is filled with acidic, moist substrate (carnivore soil) and moved to a partially shaded location. In order for the plant to grow well, it should be watered sufficiently.
pests and diseases
The butterwort is quite susceptible to gray mold. Infested plants show a characteristic damage pattern:
- at the beginning possibly brown spots on the leaves
- over time, the leaves and shoot tips become soft
- mouse-grey, heavily dusting fungal growth on the leaves
A frequent change of location has proven to be useful as a preventive measure. When watering, care should also be taken to ensure that the plant itself is wetted as little as possible with the liquid. In addition, the targeted strengthening of the plant has proven itself: The introduction of rock powder or horsetail extracts strengthens the plant and leads to increased resistance. If the butterwort is already infested, diseased parts should be removed immediately. Targeted fungicides also help at an early stage.
The fungus gnat presents itself as a classic pest of butterwort. The 4mm long, dark-colored insect also serves as food for the plant, but if the pest spreads too much, damage to the crop can result. The translucent whitish larvae enter the plant through small wounds or roots. Young plants and seedlings are particularly at risk. Even fresh cuts – for example by removing leaf cuttings – have a certain risk potential. Feeding damage and general growth disorders present as typical damage.
If the infestation becomes too large, natural enemies can be promoted as a preventative measure. The targeted introduction of predatory mites has proven particularly effective in this context. In addition, targeted yellow boards can also help. These plastic structures coated with glue attract fungus gnats; the insects then stick to the sticky surface. As so-called “yellow stickers”, certain variants can also be stuck directly into the ground. Larvae can also be combated with special nematodes.
Use as an insect catcher
In particular, smaller populations of fungus gnats serve as food for butterwort. The leaves are coated with a sticky secretion to which the insects cling. The leaf then curls up over the trapped mosquitoes. Certain glands in the plant secrete enzymes that aid in the digestion of the caught insect. After three or four days only the chitin shell remains. During the digestive process, the leaves secrete an antiseptic that helps prevent the prey from rotting. During the summer months, butterwort is able to obtain all the nutrients it needs from the insects it has caught. If fungus gnats are not available in sufficient numbers in winter, the plant pulls all the substances out of the leaves.
Use in folk medicine
Already Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, used the buttercup as a medicinal plant and used it against pain, chapped skin and also as a laxative. In folk medicine, the plant was mainly used to treat wounds and stomach diseases. The contained cinnamic acid was held responsible for the effectiveness. Today, the fresh or dried leaves, which contain tannins and certain enzymes, are used to treat coughs and fevers. The antispasmodic and scar-forming effect of the plant is also used for medicinal purposes. In northern Scandinavia, butterwort also plays a role in the production of Swedish milk.
Conclusion
Hobby gardeners who cultivate butterwort appreciate the plant’s carnivorous properties less than its decorative appearance. Especially the bright purple petals enrich every living room and windowsill. Due to the ease of care, butterwort is one of the real beginners’ plants – and, kept next to herb pots, also ensures a reduction in annoying insects.
