Source: Wikimedia Commons
Pinguicula emarginata
BeginnerPinguicula emarginata
A small butterwort from rock faces in Mexican cloud forest. It keeps the same leaves all year without forming a winter rosette, and its small white flowers are veined in violet; the name refers to the notched petals.
About
Pinguicula emarginata is a butterwort species from cloud forest around Atzalan in Veracruz, Mexico (about 1,400 m), and between Teziutlán and Tlapacoyan in neighbouring Puebla (about 1,550 m). It was described by Sergio Zamudio and Jerzy Rzedowski in 1986. It grows in colonies in half-shade in niches and on vertical faces of sandstone covered with a thin layer of humus or algae, in a humid subtropical upland rich in bromeliads and orchids. Unlike many Mexican species, it forms no winter rosette and keeps the same kind of leaves all year (homophyllous). The rosette has 5-16 elliptic to obovate leaves, 10-50 mm long and 5-22 mm wide, with slightly upturned margins. The flowers are small, about 1-1.7 cm long, white with violet veins and a three-lobed lower lip. The epithet means 'notched' and refers to the petals. It is not self-sterile but needs pollen from another flower to set seed. In Japan it is sold at auctions and online, including selected plants advertised as red-tinged with large rosettes. Because it grows all year, it needs no dry resting period.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Size of the Pinguicula emarginata
The Pinguicula emarginata grows to Leaves 1-5 cm long; flowers about 1-1.7 cm long.
Basic Info
Origin
Mexico (cloud forest in Veracruz and Puebla, about 1,400-1,550 m)
Lifespan
Perennial
Size
Leaves 1-5 cm long; flowers about 1-1.7 cm long
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Little or no fertilizer needed (catches small insects on sticky leaves)
Growing Tips
Temperature & Overwintering
It grows all year without a winter rosette. As a plant of humid subtropical uplands, keep it in a bright, frost-free room in winter.
Light & Placement
Grow on a bright windowsill or under lights. Many grow on cliffs with little direct sun in the wild, so avoid harsh midsummer sun.
Watering
It keeps the same leaves all year, so water so that the mix never dries out completely in any season. It is not a bog plant, so do not keep it waterlogged.
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.
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 emarginata FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Pinguicula emarginata?
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 emarginata get?
The mature size of Pinguicula emarginata is Leaves 1-5 cm long; flowers about 1-1.7 cm long. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Pinguicula emarginata?
Pinguicula emarginata: 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 emarginata?
The price of Pinguicula emarginata 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 emarginata Zamudio & Rzed.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Pinguicula emarginata Zamudio & Rzed.
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed under CITES; no paperwork is needed to buy or grow it in Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES) search: Pinguicula emarginata (no listing)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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