Question
I have a Pinguicula laueana. It is in it's winter dormancy. I have never cared for a Mexican pinguicula before. There is little information on them and their care. Could you help me with how to care for this little guy in regards of the media I should use, temps preferred, and general care of laueana.

Answer
Hi Shane,

General care for Mexican Butterworts can be found here:  http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets/tropicalbutterworts

Here's some specifics for P. laueana.  It tends to have a dormancy of around 3 months that will start in late fall, but that can vary since it corresponds to a dry season in Mexico.  When the bigger leaves start to die, just cut back on watering keeping the soil just barely damp.  This species also likes to bloom in the winter during the dormancy.  I've also found that for this species and other Mexican pinguicula tend to do very well when kept in African violet pots.  These are pots that can be found at most garden centers that have an outer glazed ceramic pots with an insert that is unglazed and sits in a water reservoir.  What these do is keep the soil just moist, but not too wet which is a common problem with tray watering.  Most Mexican pings also benefit from the foliar fertilizing we recommend on the care sheet.  Only feed during active growth.  Here's another website that can be very helpful for understanding the plants better:  http://www.pinguicula.org/

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com