Origin
Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke, commonly known as Buswell's butterwort, is a carnivorous plant native to the southeastern United States, including Florida, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Common Names
Buswell's butterwort is also known as the southern butterwort. It is a part of the bladderwort family, which is well known for its carnivorous ability.
Appearance
Buswell's butterwort is a small, rosette-forming, herbaceous perennial with succulent, glandular leaves that are arranged in a rosette at the base. The leaves are approximately 1 to 2 inches long and 0.2 inches wide, with a spatulate shape. They are bright green in color and have tiny hairs on their surface to trap small insects.
The leaves of the Buswell's butterwort form a sticky, toothed margin around their edges, which secrete digestive enzymes to dissolve the insects caught in the hairs. The plant's flowers are pale purple or blue, up to 0.75 inches wide and 1 inch tall.
Uses
Buswell's butterwort is a carnivorous plant that feeds on insects to obtain the necessary nutrients for growth and survival. The plant is of great value to researchers, scientists, and hobbyists interested in studying carnivorous plants' adaptation and evolution.
In the wild, the Buswell's butterwort is an essential component of its native ecosystem, helping to control the insect population and contributing to nutrient cycling. It is also a beautiful ornamental plant in cultivation, where it can be grown in pots or containers with a suitable growing medium.
Although the Buswell's butterwort is not used for medicinal or culinary purposes, it is an intriguing plant that is fascinating to study and appreciate for its unique characteristics.
Light Requirements
Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke requires bright, but diffused, light to grow properly. The plant prefers to be grown in partial shade where it can receive direct sunlight for only a few hours per day. If exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, the leaves may scorch and the plant may suffer.
Temperature Requirements
The plant can be grown in a temperature range of 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), but it thrives in temperatures around 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The plant cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and will die if exposed to frost. Similarly, extremely high temperatures can also be harmful to the plant and reduce its growth rate. Humidity levels should be kept at around 60–70% for optimal growth.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires porous and well-draining soil that is high in organic matter and low in mineral content. A typical soil mix for Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke consists of approximately 50% sphagnum peat moss and 50% perlite or sand. It is important to avoid using soil mixes with high levels of fertilizer or other chemicals, as they can harm the plant. The soil mix should be kept constantly moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods for Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke
Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke is a small carnivorous plant that requires specific cultivation methods to thrive. Here are some guidelines for cultivating and caring for this plant:
- Light: Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke requires bright light for at least six hours a day. Avoid exposing the plant to direct sunlight, especially during hotter months, as it may cause dehydration and damage to the plant.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-drained and nutrient-poor soil. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts can be an appropriate soil mix for this plant species.
- Temperature: Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke prefers cool to warm temperatures, ranging from 18-27°C during the day and 10-15°C at night.
- Humidity: This plant thrives in high humidity levels. A humidity level of 70% or higher is recommended. To increase humidity, place a tray filled with water near the plant or use a humidifier.
- Potting: Select a pot that is shallow and has proper drainage holes. The plant roots are shallow, so they don't require deep pots.
Watering Needs for Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke
Proper watering is essential for the growth and survival of Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke. Here are some guidelines for watering this plant species:
- Water Frequency: Water Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke regularly, but make sure not to overwater it. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions.
- Water Quality: Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke requires water with low mineral content. Avoid using tap water, as it may contain minerals that can harm the plant. Instead, use purified or distilled water.
Fertilization for Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke
Although Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke is a carnivorous plant that can obtain nutrients from prey, it can benefit from fertilization. Here are some guidelines for fertilizing this plant species:
- Fertilizer Type: Use a liquid or granular fertilizer that is low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus. Avoid using fertilizers that contain high nitrogen levels as it can harm the plant.
- Application Frequency: Apply the fertilizer once a month, during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the winter season when the plant is dormant.
- Application Quantity: Use half the recommended amount of fertilizer for other plant species.
Pruning for Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape, size, and health of Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke. Here are some guidelines for pruning:
- Dead leaves: Remove any dead leaves that appear on the plant. Dead tissue can attract fungal and bacterial diseases, which can harm the plant.
- Flowers: Remove the flower stalk after the flowers have withered. Removing the flower stalk can redirect the plant's energy towards growth.
- Long shoots: Cut back long shoots that may be growing out of the pot. This will help the plant maintain its shape and size.
Propagation of Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke
Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke can be propagated vegetatively using leaf cuttings and offsets. The plant can also produce seeds, but this method can be challenging and requires specific conditions for successful germination.
Propagation by Leaf Cuttings
The easiest and most common method of propagation for Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke is by leaf cuttings.
To propagate using leaf cuttings, take a healthy leaf from the plant and make a clean cut near the base of the leaf. The leaf can be cut into several small sections, making sure that each section has a part of the petiole attached.
Prepare a suitable growing medium of one part peat moss and one part perlite. Plant the leaf cuttings in the growing medium with the petiole inserted into the soil and the cut surface exposed to the air.
The container should be kept moist and covered with a clear plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity. Place the container in bright, indirect light, and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C).
The leaf cuttings should start to develop new growth in a few weeks, and roots will form in about two months.
Propagation by Offsets
Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke can produce offsets, or daughter plants, that can be propagated.
When an offset appears, wait until it reaches a size of at least a quarter of the size of the parent plant. Carefully separate the offset from the parent plant, taking care not to damage the roots.
Plant the offset in a suitable growing medium of one part peat moss and one part perlite. The container should be kept moist and covered with a clear plastic bag or dome to maintain humidity. Place the container in bright, indirect light, and maintain a temperature of around 70°F (21°C).
The offset should start to develop new growth in a few weeks and should reach maturity in about a year.
Disease and Pest Management for Pinguicula Pumila Michx. var. Buswellii Moldenke
Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke is a unique carnivorous plant that requires special care to be healthy. However, even when proper care is taken, it can still be vulnerable to various diseases and pests. The following are some of the common diseases and pests that may affect the plant and how to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal Leaf Spot: This disease is characterized by brown spots on the plant's leaves. To manage this disease, remove all affected leaves, increase air circulation around the plant, and avoid getting water on the leaves when watering.
Crown Rot: This disease affects the base of the plant, turning it black and soft. To manage this disease, remove all affected leaves and the infected parts of the plant, and replant in fresh soil.
Bacterial Blight: This disease causes water-soaked spots on the leaves that may turn brown and lead to leaf death. To manage this disease, remove all affected leaves, increase air circulation, and avoid getting water on the leaves when watering.
Pests
Aphids: These small insects suck sap from the leaves, causing them to curl and stunt the plant's growth. To manage aphids, wash the leaves with a strong stream of water or apply insecticidal soap if the infestation is severe.
Fungus Gnats: These small flies can lay larvae in the soil, which can harm the plant's roots. To manage fungus gnats, allow the soil to dry out between watering and apply a biological control agent like nematodes or predatory mites.
Spider Mites: These tiny spider-like pests can suck sap from the leaves, causing discoloration and webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves regularly, increase humidity around the plant, and apply insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution if the infestation is severe.
By following these disease and pest management techniques for Pinguicula pumila Michx. var. buswellii Moldenke, you can help keep your plant healthy and thriving.
