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Description
Utricularia, commonly known as bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that captures small aquatic organisms to obtain nutrients. They belong to the Lentibulariaceae family and are found in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. There are over 200 species of Utricularia, and they are often grown in terrariums or bog gardens due to their unique appearance and behavior.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia has small, delicate leaves and flowers that vary in color from yellow to purple. They have small bladders on their leaves that act as traps for small aquatic organisms. These bladders are incredibly efficient and can capture prey within milliseconds. The leaves and flowers of Utricularia are often hidden underwater, and their stems and roots can grow up to several meters in length.
Care Guide
Utricularia requires specific care to thrive in both terrariums and bog gardens. Here are some important care tips:- Water: Utricularia requires ample water, and its roots should always be submerged. In terrariums, it’s important to use distilled water or rainwater to avoid chlorine and other chemicals present in tap water.- Fertilization: Utricularia does not require fertilization, as it obtains nutrients from the small aquatic organisms it captures.- Soil: In terrariums, Utricularia requires a mixture of peat moss and sand. In bog gardens, it can be grown in nutrient-poor soil.- Sunlight: Utricularia requires bright, indirect sunlight, and should not be exposed to direct sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Utricularia can be grown in USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia is generally resistant to pests and diseases, but it can be vulnerable to the following:- Fungus gnats: These insects can lay their eggs in the soil, and their larvae can damage the roots of Utricularia. To prevent this, avoid overwatering and keep the soil surface dry.- Algae: Algae growth can be an issue in both terrariums and bog gardens. It’s important to maintain a proper balance of light and nutrients to prevent algae growth.
Habitat
Utricularia is found in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, including bogs, swamps, and shallow ponds. They are often found in nutrient-poor environments and have adapted to capture small aquatic organisms to obtain nutrients.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Utricularia be grown in a closed terrarium?
A: Yes, Utricularia can be grown in a closed terrarium as long as there is ample water and bright, indirect sunlight. However, it’s important to use distilled water or rainwater to avoid chemicals present in tap water.
Q: How often should Utricularia be watered?
A: Utricularia should be kept in constantly moist soil or water. In terrariums, it’s important to keep the soil surface dry to prevent fungus gnats.
Q: Can Utricularia be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Utricularia can be propagated from stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem from the plant and place it in moist soil or water. Roots will develop within a few weeks.
Q: How fast does Utricularia grow?
A: Utricularia can grow relatively quickly, and its stems and roots can reach several meters in length.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Utricularia:- Drosera (sundew)- Sarracenia (pitcher plant)- Nepenthes (tropical pitcher plant)- Dionaea (Venus flytrap)
References
– “Utricularia.” Encyclopædia Britannica. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.- “Carnivorous Plants.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Missouri Botanical Garden, n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.- “Utricularia.” The Carnivorous Plant FAQ. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2021.
