Cultivation questions on Pinguicula moctezumae

[sflynn]

Hello, i recently purchased a Pinguicula moctezumae, but i have some questions about it.

What kind of soil does it need? There are conflicting results on the internet.
What kind of lighting does it need? I live in NW Florida so i'm not sure how much lighting it needs since its so hot here.
How much watering do i need to give it at different times of the year?
What is its dormancy like? There are conflicting results on the internet, some say it turns into something resembling a onion, others say it has succulent leaves.

Any help would be appreciated, Thanks.

[ICPS-bob]

I suspect the reason you find conflicting information about growing Pinguicula moctezumae is because different growers are likely reporting what works for them. Everyone has varying and complex environmental conditions and what what works for one may produce a disaster for someone else. My suggestion is to read all you can find and try to figure out the conditions where each are growing. What works in a terrarium under lights may not work in a greenhouse under natural light. If you can find someone growing plants under conditions similar to what you have, experiment and be patient.

[sflynn]

Thank you ICPS-bob, i normally would read the savage garden for information but unfortunately it did not have this Ping listed. I did a LOT of research online about this plant, but it seems that it is not fully understood. However, that makes since because it was only recently discovered and named. Any sources of info about this plant would also be welcome. the plant has not actually arrived yet, but it is supposed to be shipped bare root, which is why i'm worried about the soil. i have found a location that i believe will be satisfactory to the Ping, a sunny and humid west facing bathroom windowsill. Any other suggestions will be appreciated, Thankyou.

[sflynn]

Thank you ICPS-bob, i normally would read the savage garden for information but unfortunately it did not have this Ping listed. I did a LOT of research online about this plant, but it seems that it is not fully understood. However, that makes since because it was only recently discovered and named. Any sources of info about this plant would also be welcome. the plant has not actually arrived yet, but it is supposed to be shipped bare root, which is why i'm worried about the soil. i have found a location that i believe will be satisfactory to the Ping, a sunny and humid west facing bathroom windowsill. Any other suggestions will be appreciated, Thankyou.

[ICPS-bob]

I hesitate to give recommendations because I live on the foggy coast in far northwestern California. I grow my P. moctezumae along with all my other Pings in an unheated greenhouse where winter temps occasionally get near freezing and summer temps may occasionally reach 80F. I grow them in 4-inch pots with a half peat/ half quartz sand mix watered from the top when the mix looks dry on the surface. I have a clear polycarb roof, but in Spring through summer, I put old "clear" fiberglass panels that have turned cloudy and brittle on the roof to reduce sun intensity by perhaps half. The mexican Pings flower most of the year (depending on species). This works for me -- it may not work for you.

[hcarlton]

A quick note on this species to help things: unlike other Mexican Pinguicula this species will grow year round without dormancy, so a drier mix or winter dormant conditions may not be needed. I have heard many people say this one can be grown in a sphagnum mix (I have never had success with such), and others say it will do well in regular Ping soil (peat/perlite/vermiculite mixes). See what works best for you.

[sflynn]

Thank you for all the tips. I guess I will experiment a little and see what works for me. Thanks again!

[coline]

Do you guys know some store that sells it internationally, seeds, plants, TC or what ever means?

[sflynn]

I got mine from 'Carnivorous Plant Nurseries' online, but I don't know if they sell international or not. It seems to be a common plant in nurseries for some reason so there should be some place that sells international.

[31drew31]

Jun 7, 2013 21:12:45 GMT coline said:

Do you guys know some store that sells it internationally, seeds, plants, TC or what ever means?

CZ Plants has them on their list.

[coline]

I'll have a look, normally due to the very long trip CZ plants get like 50% of the time alive here

[31drew31]

Ahh thats too bad. I have only ordered once from EU (BCP last year) and everything made it just fine except one species of Ping.

BCP also has moctezumae too.