Watering Drosophyllum and Pinguicula gigantea Seasonally

Summer Heat Demands Judgment for Drosophyllum; Winter Dry Rest for P. gigantea

A Southern California (Zone 9) grower asked summer watering frequency for Drosophyllum in a 12" terra cotta pot (85–100°F) and winter care for P. gigantea hybrid.

Drosophyllum: Watch Pot and Plant

Terra cotta darkens when moist. Water every 2–3 days in heat; if pot exterior stays damp, you're fine. Plant droops when thirsty—water immediately.

P. gigantea: Bone-Dry Dormancy

When fleshy leaves die back, stop watering entirely. Resume in early April (or when weather warms). P. gigantea x moctezumae often skips dormancy if kept wet and under long photoperiods—it's very vigorous.

Outdoor Growing in SoCal

Mexican pinguiculas do fine outdoors in SoCal. Bring in if frost threatens. Many come from high elevations where frosts occur. Pinguicula.org maps help.

Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
https://www.cobraplant.com