Contents
Description
Pinguicula Villosa is a species of carnivorous perennial plant that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and is found in wetland areas, such as bogs and swamps. The plant has a rosette of flat leaves that are covered with tiny glandular hairs that secrete a sticky mucilage. This mucilage traps small insects, which are then digested by the plant’s enzymes. Pinguicula Villosa produces pink or purple flowers in the spring and summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Pinguicula |
| Species | Pinguicula Villosa |
Appearance
Pinguicula Villosa has a rosette of flat leaves that are up to 1.5 inches long and 0.5 inches wide. The leaves are covered with tiny glandular hairs that secrete a sticky mucilage. The leaves are green and have a waxy texture. The plant produces pink or purple flowers that are up to 1 inch in diameter. The flowers are held on a thin stalk that rises above the leaves.
Care Guide
Water
Pinguicula Villosa prefers to be kept moist at all times. The soil should be kept damp, but not waterlogged. The plant should be watered with distilled or rainwater, as tap water may contain minerals that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Pinguicula Villosa does not require fertilizer. The plant obtains all of its nutrients from the insects it catches.
Soil
Pinguicula Villosa prefers a soil that is low in nutrients, such as peat moss or sphagnum moss. The soil should be acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
Sunlight
Pinguicula Villosa prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
Hardiness Zones
Pinguicula Villosa is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pinguicula Villosa is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is kept too wet. The plant may also attract fungus gnats, which can be controlled by using yellow sticky traps.
Habitat
Pinguicula Villosa is native to the southeastern United States and is found in wetland areas, such as bogs and swamps. The plant grows in acidic, nutrient-poor soils.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pinguicula Villosa be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Pinguicula Villosa can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect sunlight and a damp soil.
Q: How often should Pinguicula Villosa be watered?
A: Pinguicula Villosa should be watered when the soil begins to dry out. The soil should be kept damp, but not waterlogged.
Q: Does Pinguicula Villosa require fertilizer?
A: No, Pinguicula Villosa does not require fertilizer. The plant obtains all of its nutrients from the insects it catches.
Q: What is the best soil for Pinguicula Villosa?
A: Pinguicula Villosa prefers a soil that is low in nutrients, such as peat moss or sphagnum moss. The soil should be acidic, with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
Related Plants
- Pinguicula Lusitanica
- Pinguicula Vulgaris
- Pinguicula Moritziana
- Pinguicula Grandiflora
References
- “Pinguicula villosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282919&isprofile=0&
- Stewart, R. “Pinguicula villosa.” Carnivorous Plant Resource. Accessed August 18, 2021. https://carnivorousplantresource.com/plants/pinguicula/pinguicula-villosa/
