Aldrovanda Vesiculosa

Description

Aldrovanda Vesiculosa, commonly known as waterwheel plant, is a unique aquatic carnivorous plant belonging to the Droseraceae family. It is native to various countries around the world, including Australia, Asia, Europe, and Africa. The plant is rooted in the mud of shallow freshwater environments, and its leaves float on the surface of the water. It catches small aquatic animals, such as aquatic insects and crustaceans, with its traps to obtain nutrients.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Caryophyllales
Family	Droseraceae
Genus	Aldrovanda

Appearance

The waterwheel plant has small, bright green leaves that are arranged in whorls around a central stem. The leaves are flat and oval-shaped with a length of 1 to 2 cm and a width of 0.5 to 1 cm. The traps are modified leaves and are lined with small, hair-like projections that create a one-way entrance. The plant’s roots are thin and delicate, and they anchor the plant to the mud at the bottom of the water body. The plant has small, white flowers that bloom in the summer.

Care Guide

Waterwheel plants require specific care to thrive in a home aquarium or pond. Here are some tips for caring for your Aldrovanda Vesiculosa:

Water

The water should be clean, and the pH should be between 5.5 and 6.5. Soft water is preferred, and the temperature should be kept between 18°C and 22°C.

Fertilization

Waterwheel plants do not require fertilization as they obtain their nutrients from the trapped aquatic animals.

Soil

Waterwheel plants are rooted in the mud at the bottom of the water body. You can use a substrate of peat moss, sand, and gravel in your aquarium or pond to mimic the natural environment.

Sunlight

The waterwheel plant requires full sun exposure to grow and develop properly. Make sure to place it in a location where it can receive direct sunlight for at least six hours a day.

Hardiness Zones

Aldrovanda Vesiculosa thrives in hardiness zones 5 to 10.

Common Pests and Diseases

Waterwheel plants are generally pest and disease-free. However, they may be susceptible to root rot if the water conditions are not ideal. Make sure to keep the water clean and avoid overfeeding the plant to prevent any issues.

Habitat

Aldrovanda Vesiculosa is found in shallow freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. The plant is distributed worldwide, and it is commonly found in Asia, Europe, Africa, and Australia. It prefers acidic water bodies with low nutrient content and high light intensity.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Aldrovanda Vesiculosa be grown indoors?

A: Yes, Aldrovanda Vesiculosa can be grown in an aquarium with proper lighting and water conditions.

Q: How often should I feed my waterwheel plant?

A: Waterwheel plants obtain their nutrients from the trapped aquatic animals, so they do not require feeding.

Q: Can I grow Aldrovanda Vesiculosa in a pond?

A: Yes, Aldrovanda Vesiculosa can be grown in a pond with the right water conditions and lighting.

Q: Can I grow Aldrovanda Vesiculosa with other plants?

A: It is not recommended to grow Aldrovanda Vesiculosa with other plants as it is a carnivorous plant and may trap and consume other aquatic plants.

Related Plants

• Drosera Capensis
• Drosera Filiformis
• Drosera Intermedia
• Drosera Rotundifolia

References

• “Aldrovanda.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/plant/Aldrovanda.
• “Waterwheel Plant (Aldrovanda Vesiculosa) Care Guide.” Aquarium Source, 15 Sept. 2020, www.aquariumsource.com/waterwheel-plant-aldrovanda-vesiculosa/.
• “Aldrovanda Vesiculosa – Waterwheel Plant.” PetPonder, PetPonder, 7 May 2021, petponder.com/waterwheel-plant-aldrovanda-vesiculosa.