Pinguicula vulgaris is very widespread and grows in North America, Europe and Asia. Pinguicula macroceras is found in Japan, eastern Russia, and western North America. Pinguicula grandiflora is found in Europe and has large, showy flowers in the spring. Most of the cold temperate Pinguicula prefer acid soils.
Butterworts require mineral-free water. If your tap water is relatively pure (less than 50 parts per million in dissolved minerals), then you can safely water your butterworts with it. Otherwise, use bottled distilled water. Keep the soil damp at all times. You can do this by setting the plant in small amounts of standing water, no more than 1/4 of the way up the pot. If you are growing your plant in a pond or fountain, remember to avoid drowning the crown of the plant.
If grown outdoors they will catch their own food. You can also sprinkle goldfish flakes on butterworts to feed them. MaxSea fertilizer can also be applied, once per month, to the leaves of the plant.
Grow in well-drained, moderately fertile soil in a sheltered, sunny site. Protect in winter in cold areas.
Provide good air circulation, with temperatures between 65 (18 °C) to 75 F (23 °C) and nighttime temperatures between 50 t(10°C) to 60 F (15 °C).
