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Rescuing a Shrinking Pinguicula primuliflora: Repotting, Sanitation, and Flower Removal

A year-old P. primuliflora continuously shrinks (fewer, smaller leaves replacing old ones) but flowers profusely. Grown in self-watering pot, south window + fluorescents. Asks if removing flowers redirects energy to leaves.

Shrinking Primrose Butterwort

Shrinking Primrose But

Likely Causes

Fungus (very prone; dead material on soil surface is a red flag)
Pests, soil nutrients, unhealthy soil

Immediate Action Plan

Repot into fresh soil (sanitize pot if reusing; rinse thoroughly).
Spray with sulfur fungicide (precautionary). Video: CobraPlant.com/videos
Watch P. primuliflora specific video: YouTube link
Remove flower stalks as they appear. Allow blooming only after plant recovers.

Follow-Up: Self-Watering Pot Concerns

African violet pots work for subtropical/tropical butterworts, but construction varies. Yours may overwater. Try a regular plastic pot for drier conditions. Add direct sunlight (south window) — UV kills fungal spores. Winter sun is less intense, safe for butterworts.

Carnivorous Plants: Gardening in Rocky, Poor Soil: How to Amend and Choose the Right Plants; Rescuing a Stressed Mexican Butterwort After Shipping Mishaps; Pinguicula primuliflora Lifespan: 2 Years for Main Plant, Colony Lives On; Mexican Butterwort Shriveling: Light Acclimation Mistake; Saving a Rotting Pinguicula primuliflora: Soil Aeration Is Key; Step-by-Step Guide to Repotting Nepenthes and Venus Flytraps: Soil Mixes, Root Handling, and Pot Selection; Storing Carnivorous Plant Soil: Does It Expire?; Growing Pinguicula primuliflora Outdoors: Why This Butterwort Fails Indoors and Thrives in Seasonal Conditions; Dracaena 'Lemon-Lime' Brown Spots: Overpotting Is the Cause; White Mold on Houseplant Soil: Harmless but Fixable

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