Source: Wikimedia Commons
Chapman's butterwort
AdvancedPinguicula planifolia
A butterwort of wetlands along the US Gulf Coast. Its thin, flat leaves turn deep red to purple in full sun, and its purple flowers have petals notched almost halfway. A true wetland plant that can grow even when submerged.
About
Pinguicula planifolia, Chapman's butterwort, is a species of the south-eastern United States, found in southern Mississippi, Alabama, the Florida panhandle and the extreme south-east of Louisiana. Its name means 'flat leaf'. It grows in pineland depressions, bogs, wet prairies and swamps as well as in drainage ditches, retention ponds and roadsides, often alongside Sarracenia and Drosera. Plants are often submerged in the wet season and can grow both on land and fully under water. The thin, flat leaves are the identifying feature, turning deep red to purple in full sun. The flowers are purple (sometimes pink or white) and, unlike most butterworts, the petals are deeply notched almost halfway down; the scape is purple and finely hairy. It is listed as threatened in Florida because of wetland drainage, development, the lack of prescribed burns and illegal collection. It is a warm temperate species that keeps the same leaves all year and is a short-lived perennial, so it is grown by collecting seed and raising new plants. In Japan it is offered in small numbers at online auctions as a North American species.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Basic Info
Origin
South-eastern USA (Gulf Coast wetlands)
Lifespan
Short-lived perennial
Size
Little published size data
Temperature
10〜30℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Little or no fertilizer needed (catches small insects on sticky leaves)
Growing Tips
Light & Placement
Plenty of sun turns the leaves deep red-purple; grow it in a bright spot or under lights.
Watering
A wetland plant; keep the mix constantly damp. It is even submerged at times in the wild, so never let it dry out.
Temperature & Overwintering
A warm temperate species with no adaptations to freezing; keep it frost-free in winter.
Soil & Repotting
Grow in 3 parts peat, 1 part silica sand and 1 part perlite, or in pure peat. Replant into fresh mix if moss or cyanobacteria start to cover it.
Propagation
A short-lived perennial, so collecting seed is essential to keep it long term. It needs hand pollination with a small brush. Seed germinates in 2-4 weeks at above 15°C.
Chapman's butterwort FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Chapman's butterwort?
Advanced. A variety suitable for advanced growers. Requires advanced cultivation techniques and specialized equipment, with careful environmental adjustments needed.
QHow should I water and fertilize Chapman's butterwort?
Chapman's butterwort: 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 Chapman's butterwort?
The price of Chapman's butterwort 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 planifolia Chapm.
Authority databases: GBIF · GBIF Pinguicula planifolia Chapm.
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 planifolia (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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