Contents
Description
Utricularia Geoffrayi is a carnivorous plant native to the eastern United States, including Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina. It belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family and is commonly known as the stream bladderwort.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia Geoffrayi has small, delicate leaves that are typically submerged in water. Its flowers are yellow with purple markings and grow on long stalks above the water’s surface. This plant can reach a height of up to 12 inches.
Care Guide
Utricularia Geoffrayi requires specific care to thrive. Here are some essential tips:
- Water: Keep the plant in a container of distilled or rainwater. Do not use tap water, as it can contain minerals that will harm the plant.
- Fertilization: Use a weak solution of insectivorous plant fertilizer once a month.
- Soil: Use a mix of peat moss and sand or perlite.
- Sunlight: Provide bright, indirect light or partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Utricularia Geoffrayi is hardy in zones 7-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia Geoffrayi is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The plant can also develop crown rot or fungal infections if overwatered or placed in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
Utricularia Geoffrayi grows in shallow water or boggy soil along stream banks, swamps, and other wetland habitats. It prefers acidic soil and is commonly found in pine savannas and wet pine flatwoods.
Question and Answer
Q: Can I grow Utricularia Geoffrayi indoors?
A: Yes, Utricularia Geoffrayi can be grown indoors as long as it has access to bright, indirect light.
Q: How often should I water Utricularia Geoffrayi?
A: Water the plant when the soil begins to dry out, typically every 3-4 days. Do not let the soil completely dry out.
Q: Can Utricularia Geoffrayi be propagated?
A: Yes, Utricularia Geoffrayi can be propagated by dividing the plant’s rhizomes or by growing it from seed.
Q: What is the best time to fertilize Utricularia Geoffrayi?
A: Fertilize the plant during its growing season, typically in the spring and summer months.
Related Plants
- Utricularia purpurea
- Utricularia subulata
- Utricularia cornigera
- Utricularia floridana
References
- “Utricularia geoffrayi.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 22 Apr. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utricularia_geoffrayi.
- “Stream bladderwort.” USDA Forest Service, 22 Apr. 2021, www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/utricularia_geoffrayi.shtml.
- Burks, Kevin C. “Utricularia geoffrayi, Stream Bladderwort.” Atlas of Florida Plants, University of South Florida Institute for Systematic Botany, 22 Apr. 2021, www.florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=2204.
