Question

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20160604_133834.jpg   Hi, I bought a pinguicula esseriana several weeks ago. It is growing indoors on a southern windowsill with 2-3 hours direct light and indirect light the rest of the day.  It is growing in an all-mineral mix and top watering about every 5-6 days, humidity about 55%.  Several days ago I notice irregular shaped leaves, like notching in them.  I looked for insects that may be chewing on the leaves but did not see any.  What could be causing the notches in the leave?  Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi Valerie,

Thanks for sending the pictures of the plant.  That always helps.  The notching just looks like an irregular leaf development.  It in and of itself is not of any consequence, but I can tell from your photos that your plant needs much more light than it is getting.  The notching might be from the low light and improper development from that.  Here what P. esseriana should look like:  http://www.cascadecarnivores.com/images/pinguicula/esseriana.jpg  They are one of the more succulent Pinguicula and like nearly full sun.  

Try moving your plant to a window that gets near half a day sun such as a West or South window.  You may see some leaf burn at first, but just cut any off that happens to.  The new growth will grow out looking normal.  You may need to keep the plant just a little wetter once it's in brighter light since it will be transpirating more water.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.growcarnivorousplants.com