Pinguicula gigantea

Pinguicula gigantea (epithet derived from the Latin word for giant, giganteaus), is endemic to southern Mexico, primarily Oaxaca, where it occurs at mid to high elevations (roughly 650m+). It grows mostly lithophytically, occasionally terrestrially, on moist limestone cliffs, seepage walls, and shaded rock faces with constant humidity. Pinguicula gigantea has the broadest leaves of any species in the entire genus, making rosettes up to 12" in diameter. Another unique trait is that it has trichomes on the bottom of the leaves, the only Mexican species that does this (if you don't count medusina/heterophylla). Additionally, it is homophyllous, meaning it only makes carnivorous leaves. The flowers are a pale lavender to nearly white with a yellow-marked throat.

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 0.75-1.5" 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.