Pinguicula Care Guide | The Carnivorous Plant That Eats Fungus Gnats
Got Gnats?
We Have a Plant for That.
Pinguicula, also called Butterwort, are tiny carnivorous plants that naturally trap fungus gnats and fruit flies.
Their sticky leaves act like living flypaper, making them a beautiful, natural way to help control pests around houseplants.
Small plant. Big appetite.
Ping Care in 20 Seconds
That’s it. Seriously.
No Tap Water though! Ping's and other carnivorous plants will fade and die quickly with the minerals in tap water.Â
How Pinguicula Help Control Fungus Gnats
Pinguicula leaves are covered in tiny sticky glands. Fungus gnats and other tiny flies land on the leaves, get stuck, and the plant slowly digests them for nutrients.
Bugs land… and become lunch.
Think of them as tiny gnat assassins for your houseplants.
Pinguicula, also known as Butterwort plants, are one of the best carnivorous plants for controlling fungus gnats indoors.
What Your Ping Is Doing Right Now
Those shiny little droplets on the leaves are sticky glands.
When a gnat lands, the plant traps it and slowly digests it for nutrients.
Yep… your plant is currently hunting.
Where Should I Put My Ping?
Place your plant near:
- Houseplants that attract fungus gnats
- Fruit bowls or kitchens
- Windows where tiny flies gather
Closer to the bugs = better results.
Light
Pings love bright, indirect light.
- Bright window light is perfect
- East or south-facing windows work great
- Avoid harsh direct afternoon sun
Water
Pings prefer distilled water, rainwater, or reverse osmosis water. Tap water can be a little harsh for them because of the minerals.
- Keep the soil lightly moist.Â
- Think a swamp's edge. Damp but not soaked.
- Let the top of the soil dry slightly between watering
Soil
Pinguicula do best in a light, well-draining carnivorous plant mix.
They like soil that stays lightly moist but never heavy or submerged.
Do I Need to Feed It?
Nope. Your Ping has that covered.
If there are gnats or tiny flies nearby, your plant will happily handle snack duty on its own.
Do not fertilize your Pinguicula.
Need Backup?
If you have a bigger gnat problem or lots of houseplants, one Ping is a great start, but two or three can work even better.
More plants = more tiny bug victims.
If your Ping is doing a great job and you need backup, come see us at the market for more gnat assassins.
Common Questions About Pinguicula
Do Pinguicula really eat fungus gnats?
Yes. Their leaves are covered in sticky glands that trap small insects like fungus gnats and fruit flies. The plant then digests them for nutrients.
Are Pinguicula easy to care for?
Yes. They are one of the easiest carnivorous plants to grow. Just give them bright indirect light, mineral-free water, and lightly moist soil.
Will they eat big flies?
Nope. These little hunters specialize in tiny pests like fungus gnats and fruit flies.
Where should I place my Ping?
Place it near houseplants, windows, kitchens, or anywhere gnats gather.
For Plant People
If you’re the kind of person who owns a carnivorous plant to deal with fungus gnats… you’re definitely our kind of person.
At Evolve Botanica we make botanical soaps, candles, and herbal skincare inspired by the natural world.
Nature-powered care for your plants… and for you.