Troubleshooting
Chilean Butterwort problems — and how to fix them
Chilean Butterwort (Pinguicula chilensis) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leaf rot at crown
Results from overwatering or permanent tray-sitting without a drying interval. Allow the substrate to partially dry and improve air circulation.
Leaf tip browning
Mineral salts in water cause tip burn. Switch to distilled or rainwater and flush the substrate with pure water occasionally.
Loss of stickiness on leaves
Usually caused by too little light or the plant entering its non-carnivorous winter rosette phase, which is normal. Increase light in the growing season.
No flowers
The plant needs a cool rest period of several months below 10°C to initiate flowering. Move to an unheated space in winter.
Fungus gnats
Paradoxically, fungus gnats are both prey and a minor pest if populations overwhelm the plant. Allow the soil to dry more between waterings to reduce larval habitat.
Prevent chilean butterwort problems before they start
Most chilean butterwort issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Chilean Butterwort problems — FAQ
Why is my chilean butterwort leaf rot at crown?
Results from overwatering or permanent tray-sitting without a drying interval. Allow the substrate to partially dry and improve air circulation.
Why is my chilean butterwort leaf tip browning?
Mineral salts in water cause tip burn. Switch to distilled or rainwater and flush the substrate with pure water occasionally.
Why is my chilean butterwort loss of stickiness on leaves?
Usually caused by too little light or the plant entering its non-carnivorous winter rosette phase, which is normal. Increase light in the growing season.
Why is my chilean butterwort no flowers?
The plant needs a cool rest period of several months below 10°C to initiate flowering. Move to an unheated space in winter.
Why is my chilean butterwort fungus gnats?
Paradoxically, fungus gnats are both prey and a minor pest if populations overwhelm the plant. Allow the soil to dry more between waterings to reduce larval habitat.