
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'
BeginnerPinguicula 'Aphrodite'
A Czech-raised butterwort from P. agnata × P. moctezumae. It has long, narrow, arching leaves and flowers up to 4 cm across that open dark violet and fade to pink as they age.
About
'Aphrodite' is a butterwort cultivar raised from the Mexican species P. agnata and P. moctezumae. The cross was made in June 1998 by J. Flísek and K. Pášek in the Czech Republic, and the cultivar was registered with the International Carnivorous Plant Society (ICPS) in 2001. It is named after the Greek goddess of love and beauty. According to the registration, the summer rosette has up to 15 very long, narrow leaves up to 12 cm long and 2 cm wide, with rounded tips ending in a small point. The leaves stand up and then arch downwards, with edges rolled under. In strong summer sun the leaf edges turn reddish while the midrib stays green. In winter the rosette gets smaller but the leaf count rises to about 25, with flat, light green leaves 5-6 cm long. It flowers almost all year, most heavily in winter. Fresh flowers are fairly small and dark violet, then enlarge and fade to pink; mature flowers reach 4 cm across with a bright yellow throat, a spur about 1.5 cm long and stalks about 15 cm tall. The combination of long, narrow leaves and large, colour-changing flowers sets it apart from other Mexican hybrids. In Japan it is sold online, for example as potted plants with care instructions. Its parent P. moctezumae is also available in Japan.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'
The Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' grows to Summer leaves up to 12 cm long and 2 cm wide; flowers up to 4 cm across.
Basic Info
Origin
Horticultural hybrid raised in the Czech Republic in 1998 (parents are Mexican species)
Lifespan
Perennial (can be kept for years by division and leaf cuttings)
Size
Summer leaves up to 12 cm long and 2 cm wide; flowers up to 4 cm across
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Little or no fertilizer needed (catches small insects on sticky leaves)
Growing Tips
Temperature & Overwintering
In summer it makes carnivorous leaves in warm, humid conditions; in winter keep it cooler and drier and it rests as a rosette of succulent leaves. Typical indoor windowsill conditions suit it well.
Light & Placement
Grow on a bright windowsill or under lights. Strong light tints the leaf edges red, but avoid harsh midsummer sun.
Watering
In summer, when it has carnivorous leaves, the pot can stand in up to 2 cm of water. Once it switches to succulent winter leaves, let it dry for about a week between waterings.
Soil & Repotting
It is not a bog plant; a mix of equal parts peat, coarse sand and perlite with dolomitic lime added to make it alkaline suits it. Repot or divide in the winter resting phase.
Propagation
Keep the cultivar true by leaf cuttings or division; plants raised from seed will not be the same cultivar.
Pests & Cautions
Do not use fungicides on Pinguicula; they can kill the plants. Fungus gnat larvae eat the leaves, so a thin layer of coarse sand on the soil surface helps.
Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'?
Beginner. A variety suitable for beginners. No special equipment or experience is required—you can grow it without problems by setting up a basic cultivation environment.
QHow large does Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' get?
The mature size of Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' is Summer leaves up to 12 cm long and 2 cm wide; flowers up to 4 cm across. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'?
Pinguicula 'Aphrodite': watering & fertilizer — Little or no fertilizer needed (catches small insects on sticky leaves). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'?
The price of Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Pinguicula 'Aphrodite' J.Flisek & K.Pasek
Originator: J. Flísek & K. Pášek
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Pinguicula L.(属) · ICPS 登録栽培品種 Pinguicula 'Aphrodite'(2001年登録、P. agnata × P. moctezumae)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed under CITES; no paperwork is needed to buy or grow it in Japan. It is not registered under Japan's Plant Variety Protection law.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) search: Pinguicula (no listing) / MAFF Plant Variety Protection database
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
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