Pinguicula 'Esseriana': 1-3 Plants in a Tissue Culture Cup

Visual Description:

Pinguicula 'Esseriana' is a delightful and compact carnivorous plant known for its rosette of small, fleshy leaves. The leaves are pale green with a hint of pink, and their sticky surface is effective at trapping small insects, which provide essential nutrients to the plant. The rosette typically remains low to the ground, making Pinguicula 'Esseriana' an ideal plant for terrariums or small containers. This variety is also admired for its dainty flowers, which are usually soft pink or lavender, adding a charming touch to this already attractive plant.

Country of Origin:

This variety is a cultivated form and does not occur naturally in the wild. It is derived from species native to Mexico, where they thrive in limestone-rich soils.

Ideal Growing Conditions:

• Bright, indirect sunlight
• Humid environment with well-draining, nutrient-poor soil (a mix of peat moss, sand, and perlite)
• Keep soil moderately moist with distilled or rainwater (avoid tap water)
• Temperature range of 60-80°F (16-27°C) year-round, with slightly cooler conditions during winter dormancy

Additional Information:

• Watering Tips: Use only distilled or rainwater; avoid tap water, which can harm the plant due to its mineral content.
• Feeding: While this plant can catch its own prey, occasional feeding of small insects like fruit flies can enhance its growth.
• Dormancy: Pinguicula 'Esseriana' may experience a slight dormancy period in winter, during which growth may slow down.

How to Harden Tissue Culture Pinguicula:

Gradually acclimatise your tissue-cultured plants to outdoor conditions. Start by placing the plant in a shaded area for a week, then slowly introduce it to more sunlight over the next 2-3 weeks. Maintain high humidity during this period and be cautious not to expose the plant to direct sunlight or strong winds too quickly.