Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Butterwort Plant Care
Pinguicula macrophylla Kunth
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Pinguicula macrophylla is known for its large, green pitcher-shaped leaves that entice plant collectors with their unique appearance. Originating from the highlands of Mexico, this carnivorous plant captures insects with sticky droplets on its surface, making it a fascinating addition to any collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Butterwort?
Water Butterwort every 7–14 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.
Where Is the Butterwort Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
What Is the Butterwort?
Butterwort (Pinguicula macrophylla) belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family within the Pinguicula genus. Butterwort is native to Europe, 9 to North America, and some to northern Asia. Butterwort is also known as Large-leaved Butterwort.
Butterwort displays a low rosette, compact growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . 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 macrophylla requires watering every 7–14 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 7–14 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 macrophylla 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.
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 macrophylla Kunth, family Lentibulariaceae (first published in Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 226 (1818)) — 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: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- 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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