So I dont know much about this plant except that it needs to stay hydrated and to use distilled water... for some reason the plant isnt rooted? I can lift it up from its soil easily so is it dead? It still seems alive because new leaves keep coming

It's alive.
The roots on Pinguicula are very small and short.

I have had the best luck with most Mexican Pings with equal parts of, Peat Moss, LFS, Perlite, and Vermiculite.
I do not recall which ones anymore, but I had 1 or 2 that did not appreciate the vermiculite in the mix; when I was growing 15 or more of the mexican pings years ago.

I only grow 2 now. P. emarginata & P. gigantea, both love the vermiculite in the soil mix.

elgecko said: It's alive.
The roots on Pinguicula are very small and short.

I have had the best luck with most Mexican Pings with equal parts of, Peat Moss, LFS, Perlite, and Vermiculite.
I do not recall which ones anymore, but I had 1 or 2 that did not appreciate the vermiculite in the mix; when I was growing 15 or more of the mexican pings years ago.

I only grow 2 now. P. emarginata & P. gigantea, both love the vermiculite in the soil mix.

So even if I can remove it, it's alive? Do they need repoting? Do they go dormant? Are they similar to flytraps in that you remove the dried up leaves?

The roots on Pinguicula, like elgecko said, are very short. The soil you are using also seems to be too dense. Pinguicula, unlick other CPs, like very gritty well draining airy soil.

Your ping is fine.

Here is the group "Pinguicula Plantation" to learn more about them.
https://www.facebook.com/group...