The large pronounced glands of P. spec. Sumidero I
The showy flowers of Sumidero I. Note the long spurs
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The "Christmas Tree" formation from Sumidero Canyon
This is hands down one of my favorite Pinguicula out there. Still unnamed and most likely a new species, this plant is found in the well known Sumidero Canyon National Park (Parque Nacional Cañón del Sumidero) in Chiapas, Mexico. The limestone walls of the canyon reach hundreds (thousands in some areas) of feet tall over the Grijalva River. Areas around the canyon are mostly deciduous rainforest, but meadows and pine forests also exist nearby. Pinguicula spec. Sumidero I is found growing on the limestone cliffs above the river, creating a very damp environment in the wet season. It's often humid in this area, a perfect environment for epiphytes. One of the most famous populations is on the Christmas Tree formation, a section of limestone that juts out like a pine tree. Water flows down this formation, where moss, ferns, and other epiphytes grown alongside this Pinguicula. Why can't canyons here in the US have cool Pinguicula growing in them? The ones here in Texas compose mostly of cactus, shrub, and herding animals, all extremely exciting and exotic.
This species is very easy to grow, and a rewarding plant as well. The leaves are bright, almost lime green under high light, and the glands on this plant are large and noticeable. However, the flowers are the most striking characteristic of this plant. They're very large and bright purple, and last for quite a while. I'm currently growing it next to other Mexican pinguicula, and it's potted in a mix of peat, perlite, and vermiculite.
*Christmas Tree Formation Image Source: Bencito the Traveler
www.flickr.com/photos/bencito_traveller/
Growing Conditions: Grow Rack, Windowsill
Light: Very bright LED, 14" under a Marshydro 300w
Soil: Peat, perlite, vermiculite, well draining mix with higher percentage of perlite and vermiculite.
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 reduced in winter
Care Level: Very Easy
Source: Cascade Carnivores
This species is very easy to grow, and a rewarding plant as well. The leaves are bright, almost lime green under high light, and the glands on this plant are large and noticeable. However, the flowers are the most striking characteristic of this plant. They're very large and bright purple, and last for quite a while. I'm currently growing it next to other Mexican pinguicula, and it's potted in a mix of peat, perlite, and vermiculite.
*Christmas Tree Formation Image Source: Bencito the Traveler
www.flickr.com/photos/bencito_traveller/
Growing Conditions: Grow Rack, Windowsill
Light: Very bright LED, 14" under a Marshydro 300w
Soil: Peat, perlite, vermiculite, well draining mix with higher percentage of perlite and vermiculite.
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 reduced in winter
Care Level: Very Easy
Source: Cascade Carnivores
