Question
I have just received a Ping Jaumavensis.  I have looked at several web sights to see exactly how to water this little jewel and have found there are several ways which definitely differ.  I have read that the tray system should be used to keep them uniformly wet, and also not to use the tray system because they are prone to root rot and should be allowed to dry out a little even in their growing season.  I am growing this plant under fluorescent lights.
I received this plant bare root and have potted it in the butterwort growing medium.

Thank you

Rebecca

Answer
Hi Rebecca,

Yes, many growers have their own opinions about how to water Mexican butterworts.  Their roots are slightly prone to root rot if the soil is constantly wet, and they benefit from a slight drying in the upper portions of the soil.

Frankly, select a method that works best for you.  If you prefer the tray method, then keep the water level no higher than 1/4 of the way up the pot.  Let the tray dry out for a couple of days before adding water again.  Just avoid letting the soil go bone dry.  This is how we water our Mexican butterworts at our nursery.

Another method is to top water and let the water drain through.  This is how Mexican butterworts are watered throughout the growing season.  You can find the plants growing in nooks and crannies along rocky hillsides.  They grow in very small amounts of soil, hence their short roots.  During the rainy season (summer), the rain saturates the soil and excess moisture drains away.  If you top water, you'll need to use a larger pot to avoid water getting on the leaves and ruining its cultivated looks.  Water once weekly with this method.

Another method is using African violet pots.  These pots keep soil evenly moist.  We've experimented with these pots for Mexican butterworts, and they work extremely well.  Many of our private collection butterworts are grown in these pots.  You can find them at most garden centers.

For more information about growing Mexican butterworts, visit our care sheet section online:
http://www.cobraplant.com/caresheets

Good growing!
Jacob Farin