Pinguicula agnata – Mexican Butterwort

Pinguicula agnata is a sticky little charmer from Mexico, prized for its gentle nature and bug-snagging superpowers. With glossy, succulent-like leaves and soft white flowers tinged with pale blue, it’s a houseplant that multitasks — looks cute and keeps whiteflies in check. Whether you're a carnivorous plant newbie or a seasoned collector, this one is an easy win.

Plant Care 

Light
Bright indirect light to a few hours of gentle direct sun. Strong light encourages compact growth and healthy colouration.

Watering
Keep the growing medium lightly moist using rainwater, distilled water, or reverse osmosis water. During winter, when the plant produces its succulent resting leaves, reduce watering and allow the compost to become slightly drier between waterings.

Temperature
Prefers temperatures between 15–30°C and adapts well to normal household conditions.

Potting
Use a free-draining carnivorous plant mix. A blend of mineral components such as pumice, perlite, and sand works particularly well for Mexican Butterworts. Avoid fertilisers and standard houseplant composts.

Hot Tips
Pinguicula agnata is particularly useful for controlling fungus gnats around houseplants. During winter it may transition into a succulent-like growth phase with smaller, thicker leaves. This is completely normal and helps the plant cope with drier conditions.

Pet Friendly
Generally considered non-toxic to cats and dogs.