SKU:PING-3520-GE
Pinguicula macrophylla (Butterwort)
Pinguicula macrophylla (Butterwort)
Pinguicula macrophylla is a distinctive Mexican butterwort endemic to the cloud forests and humid mountain regions of Hidalgo and neighbouring areas of central-eastern Mexico. It typically grows on steep limestone cliffs, moss-covered rock faces, and shaded banks where moisture is abundant for much of the year. The species is notable for its unusually large leaves, reflected in the specific epithet macrophylla, meaning "large-leaved". Mature plants form broad, open rosettes that can become considerably larger than many other Mexican butterworts, making them an impressive species in cultivation.
Like other members of the genus, Pinguicula macrophylla captures small insects using specialised leaves covered in microscopic glands that secrete a sticky mucilage. Tiny flies, fungus gnats, and other small invertebrates become trapped on the leaf surface before being digested by enzymes and absorbed through the foliage. The leaves are typically bright green to yellow-green and often have a smooth, glossy appearance. During the flowering season, plants produce elegant violet to lavender-purple flowers on slender stalks held above the rosette, creating a striking contrast against the broad foliage.
This species follows the seasonal growth cycle characteristic of many Mexican butterworts, producing a more compact, non-carnivorous succulent rosette during cooler and drier periods before returning to active carnivorous growth when conditions improve. Its combination of large foliage, attractive flowers, and well-defined seasonal changes makes it a particularly rewarding species for enthusiasts interested in the diversity of Mexican Pinguicula. Although not as commonly encountered as some hybrid butterworts, Pinguicula macrophylla remains highly regarded among collectors for its size, elegance, and distinctive growth habit.
Origin: Hidalgo and neighbouring regions of central-eastern Mexico
Plant Type: Perennial carnivorous butterwort
Growth Habit: Large-forming rosette with seasonal carnivorous and succulent growth phases
Flowers: Violet to lavender-purple flowers borne on tall stalks
Light: Bright indirect light to filtered sun
Water: Prefers pure water and consistently moist conditions during active growth
Growing Medium: Open, mineral-rich butterwort mix with excellent drainage
Dormancy: Seasonal succulent rosette during cooler and drier periods
What's Included: One healthy Pinguicula macrophylla growing in a Nano Nursery cup, ready to continue developing under suitable conditions.
A tissue culture plants are grown in clear gel, transparent container that holds multiple young plants (typically 3 or more) grown under laboratory conditions.
Our Gel Cup are non-sterile gel media that we use for start the hardening process after a plant has been in tissue culture.These vessels provide a carefully controlled environment, keeping the plants healthy as the get ready to transition to standard growing conditions.
Quick Hardening Steps:
- Open Lid Gradually: Slightly open the cup to slowly reduce humidity.
- Maintain Humidity: Gradually decrease humidity over 2–4 weeks.
- Indirect Light: Start with gentle, indirect lighting.
- Moist Soil: Keep media damp, never wet.
- Monitor Closely: Slowly increase airflow and light exposure.
Each transparent Transition Cup (5 cm diameter × 7 cm height) contains a juvenile carnivorous plant that has moved beyond sterile tissue culture and into a structured transition medium.
Inside, you’ll find a young carnivorous plant securely planted in a semi-solid blend designed to support root development while easing the shift from gel to soil.
This carefully balanced environment maintains optimal humidity and airflow, helping reduce transplant shock and supporting the plant during this critical transition stage.
Suitable for both novice growers and experienced collectors, Transition Cups provide a reliable, low-stress way to guide delicate carnivorous plants toward successful soil establishment.
Each transparent carnivorous cup (5 cm diameter x 7 cm height) contains a juvenile carnivorous plant freshly transitioned from tissue culture.
Inside, you'll find a young carnivorous plant planted securely in special growing media soil that replicates their natural habitat.
This carefully balanced environment maintains optimal humidity, aiding the delicate plants during their crucial hardening-off stage.
Perfect for both novice growers and experienced collectors, these cups provide a simple and effective way to cultivate and enjoy captivating insect-eating plants.
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Pinguicula macrophylla is a distinctive Mexican butterwort endemic to the cloud forests and humid mountain regions of Hidalgo and neighbouring areas of central-eastern Mexico. It typically grows on steep limestone cliffs, moss-covered rock faces, and shaded banks where moisture is abundant for much of the year. The species is notable for its unusually large leaves, reflected in the specific epithet macrophylla, meaning "large-leaved". Mature plants form broad, open rosettes that can become considerably larger than many other Mexican butterworts, making them an impressive species in cultivation.
Like other members of the genus, Pinguicula macrophylla captures small insects using specialised leaves covered in microscopic glands that secrete a sticky mucilage. Tiny flies, fungus gnats, and other small invertebrates become trapped on the leaf surface before being digested by enzymes and absorbed through the foliage. The leaves are typically bright green to yellow-green and often have a smooth, glossy appearance. During the flowering season, plants produce elegant violet to lavender-purple flowers on slender stalks held above the rosette, creating a striking contrast against the broad foliage.
This species follows the seasonal growth cycle characteristic of many Mexican butterworts, producing a more compact, non-carnivorous succulent rosette during cooler and drier periods before returning to active carnivorous growth when conditions improve. Its combination of large foliage, attractive flowers, and well-defined seasonal changes makes it a particularly rewarding species for enthusiasts interested in the diversity of Mexican Pinguicula. Although not as commonly encountered as some hybrid butterworts, Pinguicula macrophylla remains highly regarded among collectors for its size, elegance, and distinctive growth habit.
Origin: Hidalgo and neighbouring regions of central-eastern Mexico
Plant Type: Perennial carnivorous butterwort
Growth Habit: Large-forming rosette with seasonal carnivorous and succulent growth phases
Flowers: Violet to lavender-purple flowers borne on tall stalks
Light: Bright indirect light to filtered sun
Water: Prefers pure water and consistently moist conditions during active growth
Growing Medium: Open, mineral-rich butterwort mix with excellent drainage
Dormancy: Seasonal succulent rosette during cooler and drier periods
What's Included: One healthy Pinguicula macrophylla growing in a Nano Nursery cup, ready to continue developing under suitable conditions.
A tissue culture plants are grown in clear gel, transparent container that holds multiple young plants (typically 3 or more) grown under laboratory conditions.
Our Gel Cup are non-sterile gel media that we use for start the hardening process after a plant has been in tissue culture.These vessels provide a carefully controlled environment, keeping the plants healthy as the get ready to transition to standard growing conditions.
Quick Hardening Steps:
- Open Lid Gradually: Slightly open the cup to slowly reduce humidity.
- Maintain Humidity: Gradually decrease humidity over 2–4 weeks.
- Indirect Light: Start with gentle, indirect lighting.
- Moist Soil: Keep media damp, never wet.
- Monitor Closely: Slowly increase airflow and light exposure.
Each transparent Transition Cup (5 cm diameter × 7 cm height) contains a juvenile carnivorous plant that has moved beyond sterile tissue culture and into a structured transition medium.
Inside, you’ll find a young carnivorous plant securely planted in a semi-solid blend designed to support root development while easing the shift from gel to soil.
This carefully balanced environment maintains optimal humidity and airflow, helping reduce transplant shock and supporting the plant during this critical transition stage.
Suitable for both novice growers and experienced collectors, Transition Cups provide a reliable, low-stress way to guide delicate carnivorous plants toward successful soil establishment.
Each transparent carnivorous cup (5 cm diameter x 7 cm height) contains a juvenile carnivorous plant freshly transitioned from tissue culture.
Inside, you'll find a young carnivorous plant planted securely in special growing media soil that replicates their natural habitat.
This carefully balanced environment maintains optimal humidity, aiding the delicate plants during their crucial hardening-off stage.
Perfect for both novice growers and experienced collectors, these cups provide a simple and effective way to cultivate and enjoy captivating insect-eating plants.