The Story
Plant Bio
Pinguicula moranensis, the Mexican butterwort, is a perennial carnivorous herb native to North and Central America. It features a rosette of broad, succulent-like leaves covered in specialized glands that secrete a sticky mucilage to trap small insects.
This species exhibits a distinct dimorphic growth habit, transitioning between a large carnivorous summer rosette and a compact, non-carnivorous winter succulent rosette. Single, long-spurred pink or purple flowers rise on slender stalks well above the foliage during the active growing season.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
6"
Width
8"
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
10
Water
Consistent moisture in summer, dry in winter
Humidity
High (60%-90%)
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Bloom period
Spring – Summer
In flower about 6 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a plastic pot with excellent drainage and fill it with a nutrient-poor mix of equal parts peat moss, perlite, and silica sand.
- Place the plant in a location receiving bright indirect light or gentle morning sun, avoiding intense direct afternoon rays.
- Water exclusively with mineral-free water, such as distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during summer.
- Decrease watering in late fall as the plant transitions to its small winter rosette, allowing the substrate to dry out almost completely between light waterings.
Pro Tip
Reduce watering significantly in winter when the plant shifts to its compact succulent rosette phase; keeping the medium wet during this resting period causes immediate crown rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Use only distilled, reverse osmosis, or rain water to prevent mineral burn.
- Provide bright, indirect light to maintain leaf color and vigor.
- Allow the growing medium to dry significantly during the winter resting phase.
- Keep the surrounding air humid, ideally between 60% and 90%.
Don't
- Never use standard tap water or mineralized bottled water.
- Do not apply standard garden fertilizers or nutrient-rich potting soils.
- Avoid letting the plant sit in stagnant, heavy water during winter.
- Do not expose the plant to freezing temperatures or frost.
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Mexican Butterwort questions
What zones can Mexican Butterwort grow in?
Mexican Butterwort is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
When does Mexican Butterwort bloom?
Mexican Butterwort typically blooms in spring through summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Mexican Butterwort need full sun?
Mexican Butterwort does best in part shade.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Mexican Butterwort with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.