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Pinguicula gigantea Dormancy Confusion: Plant Is Actually in Active Growth

Misidentifying Growth Phase in Mexican Butterworts

A San Jose grower asked when to clip succulent leaves and increase watering for their P. gigantea, thinking it was dormant.

Expert Correction

Jacob Farin: the plant is in active growth (photos show large, succulent leaves). Water normally now. Do not clip leaves. Dormancy occurs late winter/early spring—large leaves naturally die back, replaced by small rosette.

Current Care

Follow Mexican butterwort care sheet: cobraplant.com/caresheets

Key Insight

Mexican Pinguicula dormancy looks different from temperate plants. Large leaves = active growth. Small tight rosette = dormancy. Don't force dormancy by withholding water.

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