Pinguicula fiorii (Butterwort)

Pinguicula fiorii is a small to medium-sized butterwort native to the south-eastern United States, where it occurs primarily in Florida and parts of neighbouring Gulf Coast regions. It grows in seasonally wet savannahs, seepage areas, bog margins, and open pine flatwoods, often alongside other carnivorous plants adapted to nutrient-poor soils. The species forms compact rosettes of soft, bright green leaves and is well suited to warm, humid conditions typical of its native habitat.

The leaves are covered with specialised glandular structures that produce a sticky mucilage used to capture small insects and other tiny invertebrates. Once prey becomes trapped, digestive enzymes break down the soft tissues, allowing nutrients to be absorbed directly through the leaf surface. The foliage typically remains fresh green throughout the growing season and forms an attractive low-growing rosette. Mature plants produce delicate flowers on slender stems, usually displaying pale violet to lavender-purple petals with subtle markings that attract pollinating insects while remaining safely separated from the carnivorous leaves below.

Unlike many Mexican butterworts that develop a succulent winter rosette, Pinguicula fiorii remains adapted to consistently moist wetland habitats and does not undergo a pronounced succulent dormancy. It may slow growth during cooler weather but generally retains its carnivorous foliage year-round under suitable conditions. Its compact growth habit, attractive flowers, and adaptation to warm-temperate wetlands make it an appealing species for collectors interested in the diversity of North American butterworts.

Origin: South-eastern United States, primarily Florida
Plant Type: Perennial carnivorous butterwort
Growth Habit: Compact ground-hugging rosette
Flowers: Pale violet to lavender-purple flowers on slender stalks
Light: Bright light to partial sun
Water: Prefers pure water and consistently moist conditions
Growing Medium: Moist, acidic carnivorous plant mix or sandy peat-based substrate
Dormancy: No distinct succulent dormancy; growth slows during cooler periods

What's Included: One healthy Pinguicula fiorii growing in a Nano Nursery cup, ready to continue developing under suitable conditions.