Photo: Oleksandr ShynderCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Butterwort Plant Care
Pinguicula bicolor Woł.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pinguicula bicolor is a carnivorous plant known for its unique leaves that are shaped like elongated spoons and have a vibrant green color with contrasting purple veins. It is popular among plant enthusiasts for its ability to catch and digest insects.
Every 3–7 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Butterwort?
Water Butterwort every 3–7 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
What Is the Butterwort?
Butterwort (Pinguicula bicolor) belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family within the Pinguicula genus. Butterwort is native to Mexico, Guatemalaheight: 0.5width: 6fertilizer: 1wateringMin: 3wateringMax: 7humidityMin: 50humidityMax: 70temperatureMin: 60temperatureMax: 80leafSize: 2.
Butterwort displays a low rosette, compact growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately 6 ft. Butterwort produces unique, carnivorous flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Butterwort?
Pinguicula bicolor requires watering every 3–7 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–7 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Butterwort Need?
Butterwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Butterwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Butterwort Prefer?
Pinguicula bicolor grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Butterwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Butterwort?
Slightly acidic, nutrient-poor soil mix with good drainage like peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Butterwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Butterwort?
Feed Butterwort every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Butterwort?
Repot annually in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Butterwort?
Butterwort can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to balkan butterwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Butterwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Butterwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Butterwort?
Butterwort is susceptible to aphids, fungus gnats, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Butterwort Need?
Butterwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Butterwort is native to Mexico, Guatemalaheight: 0.5width: 6fertilizer: 1wateringMin: 3wateringMax: 7humidityMin: 50humidityMax: 70temperatureMin: 60temperatureMax: 80leafSize: 2. In cooler regions, grow Butterwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Butterwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Pinguicula genus — compare its care with other Pinguicula species on PlantoScan.
Pinguicula is part of the Lentibulariaceae plant family — browse all Lentibulariaceae genera and species.
Butterwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Pinguicula Species
Other Pinguicula species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Pinguicula bicolor Woł., family Lentibulariaceae (first published in Oesterr. Bot. Z. 37: 80. 1887) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Butterwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Oleksandr Shynder, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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