How to plant Pinguicula (butterwort)
Butterworts are slightly more challenging to plant because they have minimal roots and large surrounding leaves, making it tricky to position them correctly in the substrate. On the other hand, butterworts can thrive even with shallow planting where not all roots are covered by the substrate. For this demonstration how to plant Pinguicula (butterwort), I selected Pinguicula debbertiana.
The plant is cleared of old, dead leaves. It is advisable to clean the roots of remnants of the old substrate. Be careful not to damage the delicate roots and leaves, as they are sensitive to pressure and can easily be damaged or broken off. If the substrate cannot be completely removed, leave it as is. If a leaf happens to break off, it can be placed on the substrate, and new plants will grow from it.
I pour a suitable substrate for the plant into the pot. The substrate is lightly compressed in the pot to prevent excessive settling over time. There should be enough to create a small mound, which will even out after watering. Next, I use an appropriate tool, such as tweezers, to create a small hole in the substrate.
Next, insert the plant into the created hole and gently push the substrate closer to the plant. Position the plant so that the first leaves touch the substrate. Using tweezers, lightly cover the roots with substrate, ensuring you can maneuver under the leaves efficiently.
Afterward, take a watering can or another container for watering and regulate the flow with your finger to gently moisten the entire area. Be cautious of a strong stream, as it could wash away the substrate from the plant or partially bury it. This helps the substrate settle and wrap around the plant. If necessary, adjust the substrate around the plant further using tweezers.
You can see the properly planted butterwort in the image below. The plant is positioned in the substrate so that the lower leaves make contact with the substrate.
