Fedwort is a carnivorous plant that is quite easy to propagate itself. Propagation occurs via leaf cuttings or sowing seeds. What you need to consider if you want to propagate the easy-care Pinguicula yourself.
How can you propagate butterwort yourself?
Fedwort can be propagated by leaf cuttings and seeds. Cuttings are planted in moist substrate in late summer, while seeds are sown on the surface in spring and placed in a partially shaded place. Make sure there is sufficient moisture and avoid waterlogging.
Propagate butterwort from cuttings
The easiest way to propagate butterwort is via cuttings. The best time for propagation is late summer.
- Cut leaves with stem
- Fill pots with white peat or carnivore soil
- Place leaves in moist substrate
- Keep substrate well moist
- cover with plastic cover if necessary
Use a sharp, clean knife to cut the cuttings to ensure a smooth cut. A piece of stem must remain on the leaf.
The stem of the leaf cutting is inserted so deep into the potting soil that only the leaf sticks out. Keep the soil well moist, but avoid waterlogging. Place the cutting in a warm and bright place.
Propagate butterwort from seeds
You can get butterwort seeds from well-stocked specialist retailers. But you can also try to get seeds yourself. If you grow Pinguicula indoors, you have to do the fertilization yourself using a brush.
The typical seed bags form from the faded flowers. The black seed falls out once it is ripe. To catch it, you can cover the flower with a bag.
Let the seed dry well so that you can sow it the following year.
How to sow butterwort
The best time for sowing butterwort is spring. First prepare cultivation containers with carnivore soil or a mixture of white peat, quartz, sand and a little clay.
Do not sprinkle the seeds too closely on the surface and press them lightly. Pinguicula belongs to the light germinators and must not be covered with substrate.
Place the pots in a partially shaded but bright place. Keep the surface moist and avoid waterlogging. After emergence, prick out the young plants.
Tip
There are several native butterwort species in Germany. They are all threatened with extinction due to changing environmental conditions and are protected. Therefore, never take Pinguicula seeds or plants from the wild.