Mexican butterworts trap fungus gnats and small flies on sticky, glandular leaves. They're among the easiest carnivores to keep indoors — and the foundation of our Ping Rocks.
Light: Bright, indirect light. An east window or a spot under grow lights is ideal. Harsh all-day direct sun can burn the leaves; too little light and the rosettes stretch and lose their blush.
Water: Keep the media moist during the summer growing season, and always with distilled, RO, or rainwater — pings are sensitive to tap-water minerals. They dislike being waterlogged; moist, not swampy.
Soil: A lean, well-draining mix — peat with a generous share of perlite or sand. On a Ping Rock, the plants root directly into the porous rock and a thin film of media.
Temperature: Comfortable at household temperatures, 60–80°F. Moderate to high humidity is appreciated but not required.
Feeding: They'll handle your fungus gnats for you. Indoors with no bugs, an occasional small insect or a light foliar carnivore fertilizer works; don't overdo it.
Winter (the succulent phase): Many Mexican species swap their sticky summer leaves for tight, succulent, non-carnivorous rosettes in winter. This is normal — cut watering way back until carnivorous leaves return in spring. This is also when many species throw their showiest flowers.