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Description
Utricularia Intermedia is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. It is commonly known as the bladderwort due to its special organs that trap and digest small aquatic organisms like protozoans, rotifers, and water fleas. It is native to North America and Europe and can be found in shallow freshwater habitats like ponds, bogs, swamps, and slow-moving streams.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia Intermedia has thin stems that can grow up to 50 cm long. Its leaves are divided into two types: the floating leaves that are oval-shaped and have an undulated edge, and the submerged leaves that are finely dissected and hair-like. The plant produces small yellow flowers that have a spur-like lower lip and two upper petals that form a hood. The flowers are held on a long stalk that rises above the water surface.
Care Guide
Utricularia Intermedia requires specific care to thrive in a home aquarium. It prefers distilled or rainwater that is low in minerals and pH-neutral. It can tolerate partial sunlight but needs to avoid direct exposure to UV light. The plant should be planted in a sandy or peaty soil that is free of fertilizers and pesticides. It is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and can tolerate temperatures between 50-85 °F.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia Intermedia is susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs that can weaken or kill the plant. It is also prone to diseases like root rot, fungal infections, and bacterial infections that can cause discoloration, wilting, or death of the plant. Proper care and maintenance can prevent or treat these issues.
Habitat
Utricularia Intermedia is commonly found in freshwater habitats like ponds, bogs, swamps, and slow-moving streams. It grows in shallow water that is rich in nutrients and organic matter. It is adapted to living in aquatic environments by developing unique organs called bladder traps that can capture and digest small aquatic organisms.
Question and Answer
Q: What is the function of the bladder traps in Utricularia Intermedia?
A: The bladder traps are specialized organs that the plant uses to capture and digest small aquatic organisms like protozoans, rotifers, and water fleas.
Q: What type of water does Utricularia Intermedia prefer?
A: Utricularia Intermedia prefers distilled or rainwater that is low in minerals and pH-neutral.
Q: What are the common pests and diseases that affect Utricularia Intermedia?
A: Utricularia Intermedia is susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and mealybugs, as well as diseases like root rot, fungal infections, and bacterial infections.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Utricularia Intermedia?
A: Utricularia Intermedia is hardy in USDA zones 8-10 and can tolerate temperatures between 50-85 °F.
Related Plants
- Utricularia Inflata
- Utricularia Vulgaris
- Utricularia Gibba
- Utricularia Subulata
References
- Flora of North America: Utricularia intermedia
- Missouri Botanical Garden: Utricularia intermedia
- Carnivorous Plant Resource: Utricularia intermedia
- Wikipedia: Utricularia intermedia
