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One of the most recent discoveries has been Pinguicula
poldinii, a wonderful new species from the prealps, in
Friuli Venezia Giulia (Italy). It grows at an altitude of
450-550 meters.
In Spring, the cycle begins by the opening of the Winter
buds, hibernacula, and the production of the first
carnivorous leaves. The first leaves are followed by the
flowers in Summer. Purple-blue flowers with a white
throat. New carnivorous leaves are produced during all
the season. Near Autumn, or earlier, if your conditions
are not optimal, the next hibernacula is revealed in the
centre of the rosette. Then leaf production stops and the
old leaves decay slowly. The plant, reduced now to a
small hibernacula, is ready for Winter and for the next
cycle.
The leaves of Pinguicula poldinii are oval, medium green,
in basal rosettes and are covered with sticky, mucilage-secreting
and digestive hairs. The margins roll inward in response
to contact of the hairs by potential prey organisms.
Nitrogenous and other nutrients released by the digested
prey supplement the plant's requirements. These
modifications help such plant species compete in nutrient-deficient
habitats.
Pinguicula Poldinii is from the temperate climates and
require a dormancy period. During dormancy the plant die
back to a resting bud known as a hibernacula. Temperate
Butterworts not only reproduce by seed, but also by
gemmae. These gemmae, brood bodies, form around the base
of the hibernacula. They look like miniature resting buds.
They break of from the hibernacula very easily and are
scattered around, assisting on the further propagation of
the species.
Hardiness zone 8 (-10C/15F) in Winter. Pinguicula
poldinii is native to areas with cold, distinct Winters,
the plant needs cold Winter temperatures to survive.
Habitats may vary from semi-shady to full sun exposition.
Optimal Summer growing conditions are good air humidity,
cool temperature and UV lights. If the Summer growing
conditions are not optimal, the plants will form very
weak hibernacula which easily rot. During growth
period, procure a day temperatures of about 25°C and
night temperatures around 20°C. During resting period
days and nights should be over freezing point. Keep above
7°C in Winter.
Best grown outdoors as a container or potted plant.
Because of their specific soil requirement, avoid
planting them in the ground. Excellent for the deck or
patio. This Butterwort can be grown in a mixture of one
part peat, two parts perlite, and one part vermiculite.
Use rain water poured on the top of the pot taking care
not to wet the rosette. When this Pinguicula begins to
produce its non-carnivorous leaves, from October to April,
it is important to restrict the water somewhat, but never
allow the plants to dry completely. Inversely, when the
plant begins to produce in early Spring its carnivorous
leaves, you have to progressively start watering again
the pot. Let the media drying slightly between two
watering.
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