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Butterwort
Pinguicula moranensis
Pinguicula moranensis /pɪŋˈɡwɪkjʊlə ˌmɒrəˈnɛnsɪs/ is a perennial rosette-forming insectivorous herb native to Mexico and Guatemala. A species of butterwort, it forms summer rosettes of flat, succulent leaves up to 10 cm long, which are covered in mucilaginous (sticky) glands that attract, trap, and digest arthropod prey. Nutrients derived from the prey are used to supplement the nutrient-poor substrate that the plant grows in. In the winter the plant forms a non-carnivorous rosette of small, fleshy leaves that conserves energy while food and moisture supplies are low. Single pink, purple, or violet flowers appear twice a year on upright stalks up to 25 cm long. The species was first collected by Humboldt and Bonpland on the outskirts of Mina de Morán in the Sierra de Pachuca of the modern-day Mexican state of Hidalgo on their Latin American expedition of 1799–1804. Based on these collections, Humboldt, Bonpland and Carl Sigismund Kunth described this species in Nova Genera et Species Plantarum in 1817. The extremely variable species has been redefined at least twice since, while several new species have been segregated from it based on various geographical or morphological distinctions, although the legitimacy of some of these is still debated. P. moranensis remains the most common and most widely distributed member of the Section Orcheosanthus. It has long been cultivated for its carnivorous nature and attractive flowers, and is one of the most common butterworts in cultivation. The generic name Pinguicula is derived from the Latin pinguis (meaning "fat") due to the buttery texture of the surface of the carnivorous leaves. The specific epithet moranensis refers to its type location, Mina de Moran. 
Hardiness Zones
10 to 11
Care Guide for Butterwort
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Butterwort
Water
Twice per week
Hardiness Zones
10 to 11
Questions About Butterwort
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Watering 
Sunlight 
Temperature 
Fertilizing What’s the best method to water your Butterwort?
One way to keep your Butterwort adequately moistened is to grow it in a pot with good drainage holes and in a plastic dish or tray that will allow you to fill it to about a third to half an inch of water. This will naturally draw water from the pot to the roots as the soil dries.Don’t let the dish dry out completely and adjust how much you add based on how quickly the plant draws the water into its roots. Pots made from hardened clay called terra cotta are not suitable for growing the Butterwort unless you place the pot inside a second, bigger pot. The terra cotta will allow water to seep through and filter out dissolved solids. Put the water only in the second, outer pot. The most important thing in watering your Butterwort adequately is the mineral content of the water you use. Collect rainwater if you can for your Butterwort. It is the safest of any water to use on plants. Distilled water and water from a reverse osmosis system are good alternatives. You can use purified water which also works but has some minerals in it but in a range the Butterwort tolerate. Tap water with lower than 50 parts per million of total dissolved solids is safe. You can buy a meter to measure that for just a little money. You’ll want to fill your watering device 24 hours before you use it to give the chlorine a chance to off-gas from the water.
Read More ![more]()
What should I do if I water Butterwort too much/too little?
Symptoms of an overwatered Butterwort are brown spots forming on the undersides of leaves, white mold developing in the soil, and a general wilted look. The wilted look comes from the plant’s inability to draw water into the stem. Overwatering can cause root rot. If it’s rotted, and smells bad, you’ll want to remove the plant from its soil, rinse it with distilled water, cut away the rotted roots and affected leaves, rinse it again with distilled water, and replant in new soil. The leaves of an underwatered plant will become brittle. Cut away affected leaves, make sure the soil is damp, and mist the leaves. For underwatered Butterwort, the plant will gradually recover by resuming watering as soon as possible, but due to root damage, yellow leaves will dry out in the short term.
Read More ![more]()
How often should I water my Butterwort?
Tray method is the most common way of watering insectivorous plants. Potting Butterwort in something with several drainage holes and placing that in a dish or tray filled about one-third with water will allow the plant to naturally draw water up as the soil dries. Add water promptly after the water level drops. Don’t let the dish dry out completely. This will give you a better sense of how often the plants are watered. The Butterwort is native to humid environment, so you’ll need to strike the right balance between watering to the point of developing root rot and letting the soil dry out . During the active seasons – spring to autumn – don’t let the soil dry out. Water your Butterwort 2-3 times per week in spring and fall, and more frequent watering in summer to keep the soil mosit. Butterwort goes dormant when during the winter and early spring. If you care for one the same way that you care for it during its active season, you will likely kill it. You’ll need to cut back on the amount that you water it. Try letting some of the soil dry out as well as letting the water level in the tray dry out for a few days before adding more. If you live where the air is naturally dry, you may find that misting it above and beyond what you feed it is necessary to replicate its natural humid growing conditions. It works best to do this in the morning. Proper water spraying is very necessary for areas with a dry environment.
Read More ![more]()
How much water does my Butterwort need?
Butterwort normally lives in humid environment and are prized as houseplants because they one of a handful of carnivorous plants. Successfully keeping one alive will require that you need to replicate its native growing conditions. Maintaining high humidity levels is key to growing a thriving Butterwort. The places these plants naturally thrive are high in humidity and low in nutrients. If you live in a place with naturally high humidity, you can grow them outdoors in a bog garden. A bog garden is a unique way to present plants that require lots of humidity together. Most people grow them as houseplants. Use a pot that will retain moisture to cut down on the number of waterings you need to do. Plastic is much better for this than terra cotta. A self-watering pot works best of all. As an insectivorous plant, the tray method is the most effective way to replenish water. Make sure that the water level in the tray pots spreads over the small hole at the bottom. Add water in time before the water level drops and the trays dry out. The amount of water added is the amount of water the plants need to keep the pots from drying out, so your Butterwort can keep growing well.
Read More ![more]()
Should I water Butterwort differently when I plant it indoors but not outdoors?
Butterwort growns indoor will generally requires less water because they receive less sunlight. The more light it receives, the more water it’ll require to grow. Adequate light and water are the basis for keeping them healthy. But, you’ll still want to maintain a humid environment for an indoor plant. A good option for maintaining humid conditions is to grow them in a terrarium or as part of a plant display in an aquarium. The encased sides will keep vital humid air from escaping. Just make sure you maintain good circulation.
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Key Facts About Butterwort
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Attributes of Butterwort
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
5 cm to 10 cm
Spread
10 cm to 15 cm
Flower Color
White
Pink
Purple
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Butterwort
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Common Pests & Diseases About Butterwort
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Common issues for Butterwort based on 10 million real cases
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Soft rot
Soft rot causes the entire plant to turn black and rot from the inside out.
Solutions: Once soft rot appears, it is difficult to control. For minor issues of soft rot where only a small area is affected: Reduce watering. Only water when the soil is completely dry. Prune away affected tissue. Remove all dead and/or rotting roots and leaves. Use sterile tools. Repot using new soil. If potted, repot the plant with new soil. Be sure to use a pot with proper drainage holes. For severe cases when a large amount of tissue is infected or black: Dispose of plant. Severely infected plants will not recover. Dispose of the plant so that other nearby plants are not infected. Do not compost the infected plant.
Assassin bugs
The hunting bug is a beneficial insect that preys on aphids and beetles.
Solutions: Since assassin bugs are beneficial, they do not need to be controlled.
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
- Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
- Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
- May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
- Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
- Leaf margins may turn yellow.
- Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
- Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
- The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
- Partial or complete premature defoliation
- Reduced growth
- Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
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Soft rot
Soft rot causes the entire plant to turn black and rot from the inside out.
Overview
Soft rot is a common disease affecting mostly fruits and vegetables. It can occur while plants are growing but is more common once the produce has been harvested. The most susceptible plants are fleshy vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, sweet potato, capsicum, bananas, eggplants, squash, cucumber, avocados, and potatoes.
Many succulents are also susceptible to soft rot. This is especially the case when the plant has received some damage, as bacteria enters the succulent through the open wound.
Symptom Analysis
Initially, the disease is spotted in the form of soft, wet, cream-to-tan necrotic spots. These may appear on fruits and vegetables, including tubers, or succulent leaves and stems. The spots are surrounded by a dark brown to black ring.
As the disease progresses, the plant part becomes infected with a soft and slimy rot that has a foul odor. A dark discoloration can be seen internally. Potatoes, sweet potatoes and other tubers will have evidence of this rot under the skin. Fruits like avocados exhibit a dark metallic sheen on the outside and the flesh is grey to black. The flesh also has a putrid odor.
Succulents with soft rot will have watery-looking scabs on the stems or leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots will turn brown to black and they may have a foul-smelling discharge. For succulents with shorter stems, it may be more difficult to notice the earliest symptoms, and soft rot may not be noticed until the plant has already begun rotting from the center.
Disease Cause
Soft rot is caused by the bacteria Erwinia cartovorum. This bacteria secretes enzymes that decompose the cell wall structure of the plant. This destroys the plant tissue and causes the plant or its fruit to rot.
The bacteria lives in crop debris as well as soil and water, including the ocean. It infects plants through open wounds, including those caused by overwatering in succulents. It is normally spread by splashing water, insects, and wind. Infection is worse in hot and humid weather.
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Assassin bugs
The hunting bug is a beneficial insect that preys on aphids and beetles.
Overview
Assassin bugs are a group of insects in the Reduviidae family. Both adults and nymphs are voracious predators that eat plant pests such as stinkbugs, beetles, beetle larvae, and caterpillars. Therefore, they are beneficial to have in a garden.
Adults have elongated shield-shaped bodies that vary in size from 6 to 32 mm long. They have long, thin legs, and many species have needle-like mouthparts. They lay their eggs on the underside of plants or on bark. Eventually, the eggs hatch into nymphs which resemble smaller versions of the adults. These nymphs complete multiple instar stages before turning into adults.
Assassin bugs can occur anytime temperatures are above freezing. They typically overwinter as adults or eggs.
Solutions
Since assassin bugs are beneficial, they do not need to be controlled.
Prevention
Since assassin bugs are beneficial, it is advantageous to have them in a garden. The following will attract assassin bugs.
- Plant a diversity of plants to provide shelter.
- Avoid spraying broad-spectrum pesticides that will kill assassin bugs.
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Distribution of Butterwort
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Habitat of Butterwort
Oak, pine-oak, temperate montane woodlands
Distribution Map of Butterwort
Butterwort is a carnivorous plant primarily native to the mountainous regions of Central America. It has also adapted well to cultivation outside its native habitat, which has enabled it to spread to various temperate and tropical regions globally. While butterwort thrives in its indigenous cloud forests, its robustness in cultivation allows enthusiasts to maintain it in diverse climates.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Butterwort Growth and Care
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Basic Care Guide
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Lighting
Full shade
Originally flourishing in areas with scarce light conditions, the butterwort continues this trend by favoring dimly-lit environments, which ensures its healthy development. During various growth phases, consistent levels of low light are preferred. Overexposure can cause harm, while an inadequate light can stunt growth.
Best Sunlight Practices 
Transplant
0.3-0.6 feet
The ideal transplanting period for butterwort is late-S1, or post-bloom season. This timing allows the plant to establish itself before winter. Choose a spot with good light and well-drained soil. Remember, butterwort appreciates a bit of shade, so choose its new home wisely.
Transplant Techniques 
Temperature
5 - 43 ℃
Butterwort is indigenous to environments where temperatures typically range from 68 to 100°F (20 to 38°C). It thrives in warm climates and requires similarly maintained temperatures year-round to properly grow.
Temp for Healthy Growth 
Feng shui direction
Northwest
The butterwort is generally considered harmonious with a Northwest-facing orientation in Feng Shui philosophy. The metallic attribute of the Northwest, linked to helpful people and travel, appears to resonate with the natural qualities of the butterwort. However, as Feng Shui is deeply personal and subjective, individual experiences may vary.
Fengshui Details Plants Related to Butterwort
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Vegetable hummingbird
Vegetable hummingbird (Sesbania grandiflora) is a fast-growing tree, reaching an average height of up to 4.5 m. It is grown both as an ornamental tree to provide shade and as a method to recolonize degraded or eroded soils. Interestingly, gum from vegetable hummingbird is used to make fishing cord more durable.
Bismarck Palm
Bismarck Palm (Bismarckia nobilis) is a palm species native to Africa. Bismarck Palm grows well in clay soil in full sunlight. This species is often cultivated as an ornamental palm for landscaping.
Pong-pong
Pong-pong (Cerbera odollam) is also known, somewhat dramatically, as the suicide tree because its fruit contains a toxin, cerberin, which is highly poisonous to humans. Despite this, this plant is grown in many gardens as hedging. The seeds are used industrially to make insect repellents and rat poisons.
Native fuchsia
Native fuchsia (Correa reflexa) is a shrub that is endemic to Australia where it primarily grows on the southeast coast of the continent. Native fuchsia flowers intermittently throughout the year but its primarily blooming season is spring through fall. The flowers are green-yellow to crimson pendulous tubular and slightly flared at the opening.
King protea
The king protea is a shrub with a flower that looks like it belongs in a fairy tale. The large, globe-shaped buds resemble giant artichokes before they open. The Latin name *Protea cynaroides* is reminiscent of the Greek sea-god, Proteus, who was known to change shapes, suggesting the diversity found in this unique bloom.
Chinese pink
Chinese pink (Dianthus chinensis) is a perennial flowering herb native to China, Russia, and Mongolia. In the wild, chinese pink grows in dense woodlands and forests. In cultivation, it is a common ornamental plant grow in hanging baskets and planters.
Cape jasmine
Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.
Golden pothos
The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.
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About
Care Guide
Care FAQ
More Info
Pests & Diseases
Distribution
More About How-Tos
Related Plants
Butterwort
Pinguicula moranensis
Pinguicula moranensis /pɪŋˈɡwɪkjʊlə ˌmɒrəˈnɛnsɪs/ is a perennial rosette-forming insectivorous herb native to Mexico and Guatemala. A species of butterwort, it forms summer rosettes of flat, succulent leaves up to 10 cm long, which are covered in mucilaginous (sticky) glands that attract, trap, and digest arthropod prey. Nutrients derived from the prey are used to supplement the nutrient-poor substrate that the plant grows in. In the winter the plant forms a non-carnivorous rosette of small, fleshy leaves that conserves energy while food and moisture supplies are low. Single pink, purple, or violet flowers appear twice a year on upright stalks up to 25 cm long. The species was first collected by Humboldt and Bonpland on the outskirts of Mina de Morán in the Sierra de Pachuca of the modern-day Mexican state of Hidalgo on their Latin American expedition of 1799–1804. Based on these collections, Humboldt, Bonpland and Carl Sigismund Kunth described this species in Nova Genera et Species Plantarum in 1817. The extremely variable species has been redefined at least twice since, while several new species have been segregated from it based on various geographical or morphological distinctions, although the legitimacy of some of these is still debated. P. moranensis remains the most common and most widely distributed member of the Section Orcheosanthus. It has long been cultivated for its carnivorous nature and attractive flowers, and is one of the most common butterworts in cultivation. The generic name Pinguicula is derived from the Latin pinguis (meaning "fat") due to the buttery texture of the surface of the carnivorous leaves. The specific epithet moranensis refers to its type location, Mina de Moran.
Hardiness Zones
10 to 11
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Care Guide for Butterwort
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Questions About Butterwort
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Watering Sunlight Temperature Fertilizing What’s the best method to water your Butterwort?
What should I do if I water Butterwort too much/too little?
How often should I water my Butterwort?
How much water does my Butterwort need?
Should I water Butterwort differently when I plant it indoors but not outdoors?
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Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
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More Questions People Also Ask
Key Facts About Butterwort
Feedback
Attributes of Butterwort
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
5 cm to 10 cm
Spread
10 cm to 15 cm
Flower Color
White
Pink
Purple
Leaf type
Evergreen
Ideal Temperature
20 - 38 ℃
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Scientific Classification of Butterwort
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Common Pests & Diseases About Butterwort
Feedback
Common issues for Butterwort based on 10 million real cases
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Learn More About the Brown spot ![more]()
Soft rot
Soft rot causes the entire plant to turn black and rot from the inside out.
Solutions: Once soft rot appears, it is difficult to control. For minor issues of soft rot where only a small area is affected: Reduce watering. Only water when the soil is completely dry. Prune away affected tissue. Remove all dead and/or rotting roots and leaves. Use sterile tools. Repot using new soil. If potted, repot the plant with new soil. Be sure to use a pot with proper drainage holes. For severe cases when a large amount of tissue is infected or black: Dispose of plant. Severely infected plants will not recover. Dispose of the plant so that other nearby plants are not infected. Do not compost the infected plant.
Learn More About the Soft rot ![more]()
Assassin bugs
The hunting bug is a beneficial insect that preys on aphids and beetles.
Solutions: Since assassin bugs are beneficial, they do not need to be controlled.
Learn More About the Assassin bugs ![more]()
Brown spot
This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.
Overview
Discolored spots on the foliage of plants are one of the most common disease problems people observe. These spots are caused by fungal and bacterial diseases, with most infections related to a fungal pathogen.
Brown spot can occurs on all houseplants, flowering ornamentals, vegetable plants, and leaves of trees, bushes, and shrubs. No plants are resistant to it, and the problem is worse in warm, wet environments. It can occur at any point in the life stage as long as leaves are present.
Small brownish spots appear on the foliage and enlarge as the disease progresses. In severe cases, the plant or tree is weakened when the lesions interrupt photosynthesis or cause defoliation.
Symptom Analysis
In most cases, brown spot only affects a small percentage of the whole plant, appearing on a small amount of the leaves. A small infection only puts minor stress on the plant. However, if left untreated and the disease progresses over numerous seasons, it will severely impact the health and productivity of the infected specimen.
- Sporulation begins (reproduction of the fungal spores), and tiny spots appear on leaves.
- Placement is often random and scattered as diseases are spread through raindrops.
- May appear on lower leaves and the interior of the plant where humidity is higher.
- Brown spots enlarge and grow large enough to touch neighboring spots to form a more prominent blotch.
- Leaf margins may turn yellow.
- Tiny black dots (fruiting bodies of the fungi) appear in the dead spots.
- Blotches grow in size until the entire leaf is brown.
- The leaf falls off the plant.
Severe Symptoms
- Partial or complete premature defoliation
- Reduced growth
- Increased susceptibility to pests and other diseases
Disease Cause
Brown spot, or leaf spot, is a common descriptive term given to several diseases affecting the leaves of plants and trees. Around 85% of diseases exhibiting leaf spots are due to fungus or fungus-like organisms. Sometimes brown spot is caused by a bacterial infection, or insect activity with similar symptoms.
When conditions are warm and the leaf surfaces are wet, fungal spores being transported by wind or rain land on the surface and cling to it. They do not rupture the cell walls but grow in the space between the plant plasma membrane and the plant cell wall. As the spores reproduce, they release toxins and enzymes that cause necrotic spots (i.e., dead tissue) on the leaves, allowing the fungi to consume the products released when the cells degrade.
Solutions
In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary.
Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading.
- Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear.
- Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread.
- Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.
Prevention
Like many other diseases, it is easier to prevent brown spot than cure it, and this is done through cultural practices.
- Clear fall leaves from the ground before winter to minimize places where fungi and bacteria can overwinter.
- Maintain good air movement between plants through proper plant spacing.
- Increase air circulation through the center of plants through pruning.
- Thoroughly clean all pruning tools after working with diseased plants.
- Never dispose of disease plant material in a compost pile.
- Avoid overhead watering to keep moisture off of the foliage.
- Keep plants healthy by providing adequate sunlight, water, and fertilizer.
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Soft rot
Soft rot causes the entire plant to turn black and rot from the inside out.
Overview
Soft rot is a common disease affecting mostly fruits and vegetables. It can occur while plants are growing but is more common once the produce has been harvested. The most susceptible plants are fleshy vegetables like tomatoes, lettuce, sweet potato, capsicum, bananas, eggplants, squash, cucumber, avocados, and potatoes.
Many succulents are also susceptible to soft rot. This is especially the case when the plant has received some damage, as bacteria enters the succulent through the open wound.
Symptom Analysis
Initially, the disease is spotted in the form of soft, wet, cream-to-tan necrotic spots. These may appear on fruits and vegetables, including tubers, or succulent leaves and stems. The spots are surrounded by a dark brown to black ring.
As the disease progresses, the plant part becomes infected with a soft and slimy rot that has a foul odor. A dark discoloration can be seen internally. Potatoes, sweet potatoes and other tubers will have evidence of this rot under the skin. Fruits like avocados exhibit a dark metallic sheen on the outside and the flesh is grey to black. The flesh also has a putrid odor.
Succulents with soft rot will have watery-looking scabs on the stems or leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots will turn brown to black and they may have a foul-smelling discharge. For succulents with shorter stems, it may be more difficult to notice the earliest symptoms, and soft rot may not be noticed until the plant has already begun rotting from the center.
Disease Cause
Soft rot is caused by the bacteria Erwinia cartovorum. This bacteria secretes enzymes that decompose the cell wall structure of the plant. This destroys the plant tissue and causes the plant or its fruit to rot.
The bacteria lives in crop debris as well as soil and water, including the ocean. It infects plants through open wounds, including those caused by overwatering in succulents. It is normally spread by splashing water, insects, and wind. Infection is worse in hot and humid weather.
Solutions
Once soft rot appears, it is difficult to control.
For minor issues of soft rot where only a small area is affected:
- Reduce watering. Only water when the soil is completely dry.
- Prune away affected tissue. Remove all dead and/or rotting roots and leaves. Use sterile tools.
- Repot using new soil. If potted, repot the plant with new soil. Be sure to use a pot with proper drainage holes.
For severe cases when a large amount of tissue is infected or black:
- Dispose of plant. Severely infected plants will not recover. Dispose of the plant so that other nearby plants are not infected. Do not compost the infected plant.
Prevention
To prevent soft rot, do the following:
- Avoid overwatering. Only water succulents when soil is almost dry. Make sure potted plants are in containers with drainage holes.
- Ensure proper airflow. Do not crowd plants together. Make sure there is adequate space between plants to allow for airflow.
- Source healthy plants. Avoid introducing plants with soft rot into your garden or home. Buy plants for a reliable source and check for signs of soft rot.
- Sterilize pruning tools. Soft rot bacteria enter plants where tissue is cut. Make sure to sterilize pruning tools before using.
- Control pests. Pests can spread soft rot bacteria when they feed on plants. Controlling pests will help stop the spread of soft rot.
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Assassin bugs
The hunting bug is a beneficial insect that preys on aphids and beetles.
Overview
Assassin bugs are a group of insects in the Reduviidae family. Both adults and nymphs are voracious predators that eat plant pests such as stinkbugs, beetles, beetle larvae, and caterpillars. Therefore, they are beneficial to have in a garden.
Adults have elongated shield-shaped bodies that vary in size from 6 to 32 mm long. They have long, thin legs, and many species have needle-like mouthparts. They lay their eggs on the underside of plants or on bark. Eventually, the eggs hatch into nymphs which resemble smaller versions of the adults. These nymphs complete multiple instar stages before turning into adults.
Assassin bugs can occur anytime temperatures are above freezing. They typically overwinter as adults or eggs.
Solutions
Since assassin bugs are beneficial, they do not need to be controlled.
Prevention
Since assassin bugs are beneficial, it is advantageous to have them in a garden. The following will attract assassin bugs.
- Plant a diversity of plants to provide shelter.
- Avoid spraying broad-spectrum pesticides that will kill assassin bugs.
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Distribution of Butterwort
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Habitat of Butterwort
Oak, pine-oak, temperate montane woodlands
Distribution Map of Butterwort
Butterwort is a carnivorous plant primarily native to the mountainous regions of Central America. It has also adapted well to cultivation outside its native habitat, which has enabled it to spread to various temperate and tropical regions globally. While butterwort thrives in its indigenous cloud forests, its robustness in cultivation allows enthusiasts to maintain it in diverse climates.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
More Info on Butterwort Growth and Care
Basic Care Guide
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Lighting
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Full shade
Ideal
Less than 3 hours of sunlight
Watch how sunlight gracefully moves through your garden, and choose spots that provide the perfect balance of light and shade for your plants, ensuring their happiness. Essentials
Originally flourishing in areas with scarce light conditions, the butterwort continues this trend by favoring dimly-lit environments, which ensures its healthy development. During various growth phases, consistent levels of low light are preferred. Overexposure can cause harm, while an inadequate light can stunt growth.
Preferred
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Artificial lighting
Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
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Indoor plants require adequate lighting for optimal growth. When natural sunlight is insufficient, particularly in winter or in less sunny spaces, artificial lights offer a vital solution, promoting faster, healthier growth.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
1. Choose the right type of artificial light: LED lights are a popular choice for indoor plant lighting because they can be customized to provide the specific wavelengths of light that your plants need.
Full sun plants need 30-50W/sq ft of artificial light, partial sun plants need 20-30W/sq ft, and full shade plants need 10-20W/sq ft.
2. Determine the appropriate distance: Place the light source 12-36 inches above the plant to mimic natural sunlight.
3. Determine the duration: Mimic the length of natural daylight hours for your plant species. most plants need 8-12 hours of light per day.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Insufficient Light in %s
Butterwort is a versatile plant that thrives in full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade. However, when placed in rooms with insufficient lighting, it easily exhibits symptoms of light deficiency, hindering its growth.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Small leaves
New leaves may grow smaller in size compared to the previous ones once they have matured.
Leggy or sparse growth
The spaces between leaves or stems of your Butterwort may become longer, resulting in a thin and stretched-out appearance. This can make the plant look sparse and weak, and it may easily break or lean due to its own weight.
Faster leaf drop
When plants are exposed to low light conditions, they tend to shed older leaves early to conserve resources. Within a limited time, these resources can be utilized to grow new leaves until the plant's energy reserves are depleted.
Slower or no new growth
Butterwort enters a survival mode when light conditions are poor, which leads to a halt in leaf production. As a result, the plant's growth becomes delayed or stops altogether.
Lighter-colored new leaves
Insufficient sunlight can cause leaves to develop irregular color patterns or appear pale. This indicates a lack of chlorophyll and essential nutrients.
Solutions
1. Move your plants to the best spot for sunlight until they can receive ample filtered light, including brief periods of direct morning sunlight. Ideally, place them 1-2 meters away from a window.2. To provide additional light for your plant, consider using artificial light if it's large or not easily movable. Keep a desk or ceiling lamp on for at least 8 hours daily, or invest in professional plant grow lights for ample light.
Symptoms of Excessive light in %s
Butterwort thrives in full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. They have a remarkable ability to tolerate intense sunlight, resulting in subtle symptoms of sunburn that may not be easily visible.
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(Symptom details and solutions)
Chlorosis
Chlorosis is a condition where the plant's leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. This is due to the breakdown of chlorophyll from excessive sunlight, which negatively affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize.
Sunscald
Sunscald occurs when the plant's leaves or stems are damaged by intense sunlight exposure. It appears as pale, bleached, or necrotic areas on the plant tissue and can reduce the plant's overall health.
Leaf Curling
Leaf curling is a symptom where leaves curl or twist under extreme sunlight conditions. This is a defense mechanism used by the plant to reduce its surface area exposed to sunlight, minimizing water loss and damage.
Wilting
Wilting occurs when a plant loses turgor pressure and its leaves and stems begin to droop. Overexposure to sunlight can cause wilting by increasing the plant's water loss through transpiration, making it difficult for the plant to maintain adequate hydration.
Leaf Scorching
Leaf scorching is a symptom characterized by the appearance of brown, dry, and crispy edges or patches on leaves due to excessive sunlight. This can lead to a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and overall plant health.
Solutions
1. Move your plant to the optimal position where it can receive ample filtered light without direct sunlight. Find a spot with abundant filtered light that doesn't expose the plant to direct rays.2. It is recommended to trim off any completely dehydrated or withered parts of the plant.
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Temperature
Indoor
Indoor
Outdoor
Choose a site here for personalized care tips. Requirements
Ideal
Tolerable
Unsuitable
Just like people, each plant has its own preferences. Learn about your plants' temperature needs and create a comforting environment for them to flourish. As you care for your plants, your bond with them will deepen. Trust your intuition as you learn about their temperature needs, celebrating the journey you share. Lovingly monitor the temperature around your plants and adjust their environment as needed. A thermometer can be your ally in this heartfelt endeavor. Be patient and gentle with yourself as you explore your plants' temperature needs. Cherish your successes, learn from challenges, and nurture your garden with love, creating a haven that reflects the warmth of your care. Essentials
Butterwort is indigenous to environments where temperatures typically range from 68 to 100°F (20 to 38°C). It thrives in warm climates and requires similarly maintained temperatures year-round to properly grow.
Regional wintering strategies
Butterwort is a heat-loving plant that gradually stops growing and enters a dormant state during the winter. When the outdoor temperature drops below {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}, it should be moved indoors for cultivation. Choose a location near a south-facing window to provide as much sunlight as possible. If there is insufficient natural light, supplemental lighting can be used. When the temperature falls below {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}, the plant's growth slows down, and watering should be reduced or stopped to prevent root rot. For Butterwort grown outdoors, watering should be completely halted during low temperatures. If feasible, you can set up a temporary greenhouse for insulation or use materials such as plastic film or fabric to wrap the plant during cold temperatures.
Important Symptoms
Symptoms of Low Temperature in Butterwort
Butterwort thrives in high temperatures and is not tolerant of low temperatures. It grows best when the temperature is above {Suitable_growth_temperature_min}. During winter, it should be kept above {Tolerable_growing_temperature_min}. When the temperature falls below {Limit_growth_temperature}, the plant may become weak, wilt, and be prone to root rot. In cases of mild frost damage, there may not be any initial symptoms, but after a week, the plant will gradually wither.
Solutions
Trim off the frostbitten areas, paying attention to whether the roots have rotted. If the roots have rotted, they need to be cut off, and the plant can be propagated through cuttings. Immediately move indoors to a warm environment and place the plant near a south-facing window to ensure ample sunlight. If there is insufficient light, you can use supplemental lighting.
Symptoms of High Temperature in Butterwort
During summer, Butterwort should be kept below {Suitable_growth_temperature_max}. When the temperature exceeds {Tolerable_growing_temperature_max}, the plant's growth will cease, it will experience water loss, wilting, and becomes more susceptible to sunburn.
Solutions
Remove the sunburned and rotten parts. Shield the plant from afternoon sunlight until it recovers and starts growing again. For plants with root rot, stop watering until new roots begin to emerge.
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