Pinguicula gigantea "red" (P. aff. gigantea)

This is the same plant that other nurseries sell as Pinguicula gigantea "red". I believe this plant may need to be labeled as P. aff. gigantea, and here's why:

This plant is often labeled and sold as Pinguicula gigantea "red", however, seeing as how it lacks trichomes on the underside of the leaf, it cannot be P. gigantea. One of the taxonomic descriptors for P. gigantea is that it has glands on both sides of the leaves, but "gigantea red" is eglandular on its abaxials, which disqualifies it from being P. gigantea. It's unlikely this is a hybrid with another plant as P. gigantea hybrids are unlikely to be just as large as P. gigantea itself. This plant comes from a different location in Oaxaca, at around 1,500m, and is exposed to full, direct sunlight, which is probably why it was selected for this from other plants, as the red pigment helps protect it from intense sun. Typical P. gigantea grows around 500-800m, and does not turn red even in full sun. It It's possible this is a new species, or a variety of P. gigantea, but until some decides to tackle this work I will list it as P. aff. gigantea, meaning it is closely related to P. gigantea, but distinct from it. Morphology of this plant suggests is it similar in most ways, except for the lack of trichomes on the underside of the leaf and the bright red leaf coloration when under intense light.

As always, plants can look different with different amounts of light. The plants you receive may be a slightly different color than what is shown, either more colorful or more green depending on a variety of factors. Plants are between 1-2" in size. All Pinguicula are shipped bare root. You may receive a plant in either its succulent state or in its carnivorous state regardless of the time of year. Plants in their succulent form can be up to 90% smaller in diameter than those in their carnivorous leaf form. Plants wrapped in paper towels and put into small deli cups, and shipped in an appropriate sized box. Heat packs are not included by default. We offer a 72 and 96 hour heat pack, and we only ship plants via USPS priority mail or priority mail express at this time.

I recommend growing them in an inorganic mix like equal parts akadama, pumice, and lava rock. I use the tray method during the spring, summer, and fall letting the tray dry out for 1-2 days before refilling it. In the winter I only refill the tray once every 10-14 days to allow them to go into their succulent state.

Any photos of plants are representative of what a mature plant/leaves/flower/succulent leaves/carnivorous leaves, etc. may look like for reference only. Plants will rarely be sent with flower intact, if flowering.