Observing a carnivorous Pinguicula on my Window Sill

Pinguicula enjoys its position on my well-lit window sill © Karen Andrews

For House Plant Appreciation Day, I’ve put together a photo blog of observations on the Pinguicula, Butterwort, plant that I purchased just before Christmas. It was sold simply as a carnivorous plant. As this is not your standard house plant, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to keep it alive. I’ve been fascinated by its sticky leaf surface, the way the flowers are held high and turn to the light, etc.

Trapped fly on mucilaginous leaf surface. Note the curled up leaf edge
© Karen Andrews
Newly emerging Pinguicula flower with spur and visible glandular hairs on leaf
© Karen Andrews

Pinguicula is a member of the carnivorous Lentibulariaceae family. The Creative Commons illustration below shows how it catches prey on its mucilaginous leaves.

Pinguicula may not be your standard house plant. It has been fascinating to observe on a daily basis. So far it hasn’t been difficult to keep alive on my window sill. I water it with rainwater and it catches its own flies.

© Karen Andrews

Copyright Note

Karen does not seek or receive any commercial interest or advantage from this blog. She is not promoting any business venture. She simply loves to share fascinating facts about plants. These pages illustrate her love of plants, botany, biodiversity, gardens and creative expression. There is always so much to learn about plant diversity. This blog is designed as a showcase for photography, commentary on plants and wildlife, gardens and other places visited, horticulture and related topics. Viewpoints are her own, not those of her employer.

© Karen Andrews 2018 onwards. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Karen Andrews and BotanyKaren.net with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. 

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