Pinguicula stethos – Endemic Butterwort of Venezuela
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Venezuelan Rosette Jewel – Pinguicula stethos
Pinguicula stethos is a captivating carnivorous plant native to the Trujillo region of Venezuela, known only from the páramos of Mount El Águila. A member of the butterwort family, this rare species uses its sticky glandular leaves to trap small insects. Its compact size, charming appearance, and endemic status make it a prized addition to specialised collections of high-altitude carnivorous plants.
Distinctive Features
- Rosette Structure: Forms flat, compact rosettes of succulent leaves that measure just a few centimetres across.
- Glandular Leaves: The pale green leaves are covered in mucilaginous glands, allowing it to ensnare small prey effectively.
- Seasonal Dimorphism: Produces different leaf forms depending on the season – broad carnivorous leaves in the wet season and compact, non-carnivorous ones during dormancy.
Care Tips
- Light: Bright indirect light or filtered sunlight; avoid direct midday sun to prevent leaf scorch.
- Water: Use only rainwater, distilled, or reverse osmosis water; keep the medium just moist, not waterlogged.
- Humidity: Prefers high humidity, especially during active growth; ideal for terrarium or greenhouse setups.
- Media: Use a mix of fine sand and milled sphagnum or peat, with excellent drainage; avoid fertiliser-enriched mixes.
- Temperature: Thrives in cool to mild conditions (10–22°C); avoid high summer temperatures.
- Fertiliser: Not necessary; obtains nutrients from prey. Avoid standard plant fertilisers.
- Repotting: Every 1–2 years during the start of the growing season using fresh media to prevent compaction.
Additional Notes
- Being extremely rare in cultivation, Pinguicula stethos is best suited to experienced growers familiar with highland conditions.
- Not toxic to pets, but the leaves are delicate and should be handled minimally.
- Its high-altitude origin makes it sensitive to overheating and unsuitable for typical indoor windowsills in warm climates.
This elusive and charming butterwort offers both a botanical curiosity and an aesthetic delight for collectors. With the right conditions, Pinguicula stethos rewards patient growers with its elegant rosettes and fascinating insect-trapping capabilities.
Shipping Schedule & Biosecurity Information
- Dispatch Day: All orders are dispatched on Tuesdays.
- Cut-off for Same Week Dispatch: Orders must be placed by Monday 7am (AEST) to be sent that week. Orders placed after this will be dispatched the following Tuesday.
WA, NT & TAS Orders
- Cut-off: Orders to WA, NT and TAS must be placed by Friday 7am (AEST) to be included in the following week’s dispatch.
- Treatment & Delay: These orders require biosecurity treatment and certification, which is completed each Friday. Please allow an additional 1–2 weeks for processing.
Plant Health Certification (PHAC) Fees
- $20 fee applies to WA orders.
- $10 fee applies to NT and TAS orders.
- This fee is per order (not per plant) and is included in your shipping cost at checkout.
Size: 70mm pot
