Beginner Mexican grower

[Brassleaves]

Howdy all,

I obtained a few Mexican Pings in a trade last year. When I received them the grower told me it was time for them to come out of their dry period and to start watering them. All went well and the plants all took off. It is now come to the point in time for them to go through their dry period. I started about a month and a half maybe two months ago. I water them very little. Just enough to barely dampen the soil once a week. It completely dries out in between waterings. The plants still look great and don't looked stressed in the least, but they don't seem to be making succulent leaves. They only stopped making "dew". Am I doing this process right? Here is my growlist in case that would be significant.www.terraforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=116207

Thank you,
Adam

[sarracenialover]

Probably, its fine if the soil is dry inbetween waterings as long as it doesn't go dry for too long. It's possible that some Pings don't produce succulents as others do, but still require a dry period.

[williamg]

Does P. moranensis need a dormancy too? Still a newb at Mexican butterworts. Got P. moranensis about 4 to 5 months ago and I am not sure if or when it will go into dormancy. Any advice will be helpful. Thanks in advance,
Williamg

[w03]

Yes, P. moranensis does need a dormancy, because in Mexico there is a dry season when pings go dormant to conserve water. The leaves become more succulent like and lose their mucilage. Plants often flower during this succulent stage, and at this time, the leaves can be used for cuttings. Always keep the media just barely moist during dormancy, but try to keep the humidity up. You could also try to get some more advice from some of the more experienced ping growers on this forum.

[williamg]

Okay, when is the dry season? is it the middle of summer or some other time? (Going on vacation and having someone take care of my plants (shudder!!!! ) and need to give them directions.) Thanks
Williamg

[unstuckintime]

Im no expert, but i sort of got the impression from various articles and other forums that the plants themselves decided when they're gonna take their dormancy, and just do it. Perhaps some light cues help (adding two hours here, taking two away), but i felt that when the plants feel they need a dormancy, they take it.

[williamg]

Okay, great, now all I can hope is it does not decide to go dormant with the plant sitter here (can you say dead plant!) Thanks for the info guys,
Williamg

P.S. I remember reading somewhere that not all butterworts produce succulent like leaves, is this true?

[matt]

Rather difficult to provide advice on how to grow Mexican pinguicula. Very much depends on your growing conditions and the plants which you have. I suggest you read as much as possible on-line (including some great threads on the forums) and apply what is applicable to your growing conditions i.e. if you grow them under natural light, that can be quite different than under artificial light.

The plants will give you enough indication when they are changing between their carnivorous/non-carnivorous growth phases. When they start producing non-carnivorous leaves, reduce watering. When you see them start producing their carnivorous leaves, slowly increase watering. I find when I try to force the plants to change growth by changing watering and the amount of light, it never seems to end well.

You will find that the growers have a wide variety of methods for growing Mex Pinguicula (compared to some CP's). It makes it tough for beginners who are just sorting out their growing areas and techniques, but the plants certainly make it rewarding.

Happy growing!