Strange leaves of P. gypsicola
This plant is the one of two members of the section Orcheosanthus subsection Violiformis. The other is Pinguicula moctezumae. They grow in the state of San Luis Potosi on rocks with other lithophytes and in a somewhat shady environment. Much like other Orcheosanthus section pings, the spurs are extremely long. One of the strangest species of Pinguicula out there. The leaves are long and spidery, and grow upright. The glands are also noticeably big, and the whole plant glistens like some weird octopus plant. Winter leaves are much different, as the plant dies down to a tiny, tightly packed rosette. It likes to be kept much drier than other species of pings during winter dormancy. As the name suggests, the plant grows on gypsum cliffs in the wild. I don't have gypsum, but I've got it growing in a much more mineral heavy medium, mainly consisting of perlite, sand, vermiculite, and small amounts of peat. I hope this mix helps, as this species is extremely finicky about watering.
Update: My first attempt in growing this species did not work out so well, as I let it get too wet during winter. Trying again with a 100% inorganic mix composed of equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and crushed coral. I'm hoping the addition of calcium from the coral will help the natural environment of this species by raising the pH. What a weird plant! I'm hoping to collect all of the tight winter bud/rosette species after practicing with this one. Other growers tell me this species and macrophylla are the easiest of the super dry winter growing guys.
Growing Conditions: Grow Rack, Windowsill
Light: Very bright LED, 14" under a Marshydro 300w
Soil: Crushed Coral, vermiculite, perlite.
Temperatures: Room temperatures around 74F to 84F (winter to summer months)
Humidity: No added humidity, ambient household humidity
Watering: Watered using the tray method, flooded weekly but not allowed to stand in water. Watering is almost completely stopped in winter
Care Level: Medium/difficult, while summer growth is easy and similar to other pings, keeping the winter dryness
Source: Other grower
Update: My first attempt in growing this species did not work out so well, as I let it get too wet during winter. Trying again with a 100% inorganic mix composed of equal parts perlite, vermiculite, and crushed coral. I'm hoping the addition of calcium from the coral will help the natural environment of this species by raising the pH. What a weird plant! I'm hoping to collect all of the tight winter bud/rosette species after practicing with this one. Other growers tell me this species and macrophylla are the easiest of the super dry winter growing guys.
Growing Conditions: Grow Rack, Windowsill
Light: Very bright LED, 14" under a Marshydro 300w
Soil: Crushed Coral, vermiculite, perlite.
Temperatures: Room temperatures around 74F to 84F (winter to summer months)
Humidity: No added humidity, ambient household humidity
Watering: Watered using the tray method, flooded weekly but not allowed to stand in water. Watering is almost completely stopped in winter
Care Level: Medium/difficult, while summer growth is easy and similar to other pings, keeping the winter dryness
Source: Other grower
