Carnivorous Plant: Pinguicula laueana x emarginata

Say hello to my little friend! A few days ago, I received this carnivorous plant in the mail. It’s a Pinguicula laueana x emarginata. Isn’t it tiny! I’ve named it Zaccheus, after the Tax collector in the Bible. He was short in stature.

Pinguicula is Latin for “little greasy one.” It’s a reference to the plants’ greasy feel. Their leaves are covered with tiny sticky hairs that catch small prey like fruit flies and gnats. The leaves also excrete a liquid of enzymes and acid that quickly dissolve the prey.

I’ve always been fascinated with carnivorous plants, but outside, of a venus fly trap (that I’d had several years ago) I really haven’t ventured into welcoming them into my home. The main reason is, I didn’t know too much about them and I won’t allow something into my space unless I can take care of it properly. Well, that has changed. I’ve read a lot about carnivorous plants, watched numerous videos and have even purchased the book, The Savage Garden by Peter D’Amoto. That book discusses carnivorous plants in detail and I’m now willing to start welcoming them into my home. From my readings, pinguicula, are some of the easier carnivorous plants to tend to, which seems like a great starting point.

I repotted the Pinguicula laueana x emarginata the same day I received it in the mail.

From my research, carnivorous plants are best suited in plastic containers, since these vessels aren’t porous like clay. I used one of my small containers that held beads. I cleaned it and punched holes in the bottom of the container and repotted my plant. I then added a small stainless steel bowl, to which I placed the plant inside. This small bowl has tiny gravel, to which I add water for moisture.

Soon, my daughter and I will be visiting a local carnivorous plant nursery. I believe it will be a fabulous experience and will be wonderful to see many of them in one place and ask questions. I’m sure we’ll be leaving with a few of our own.