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Description
Utricularia Caerulea, also known as the blue bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. It is a small, aquatic plant that is native to South America, particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. This plant is known for its unique bladder traps that it uses to catch and digest small aquatic organisms such as insects, protozoa, and small crustaceans.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukarya |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus: | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia Caerulea is a small, aquatic plant that grows to a height of about 10-20 cm and has a spread of about 20-30 cm. It has small, light blue, funnel-shaped flowers that bloom in the summer. The leaves of this plant are green and have a unique bladder shape that is used to trap prey. The plant’s roots are thin and do not anchor it to the substrate.
Care Guide
Water: The blue bladderwort requires a constant supply of water to grow. It can be grown in a small pond, aquarium or terrarium. Make sure that the water is clean and free from pollutants.
Fertilization: Since this is a carnivorous plant, it does not require any fertilization. Its nutrient needs are met by the prey it catches.
Soil: This plant does not require soil to grow. It can be grown in water or in a pot filled with peat moss and sand.
Sunlight: Utricularia Caerulea requires full sun to grow. It should be placed in a location where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight.
Hardiness Zones: This plant thrives in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia Caerulea is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by root rot due to overwatering or poor drainage. It is important to ensure that the water is clean and free from pollutants to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi.
Habitat
Utricularia Caerulea is native to South America, particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It grows in shallow, still or slow-moving water such as ponds, marshes, and bogs. It can also be found in rice paddies, ditches, and other wet areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Utricularia Caerulea a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, it is a good plant for beginners as it is easy to care for and does not require any fertilization.
Q: Can Utricularia Caerulea be grown in a pot?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a pot filled with peat moss and sand.
Q: What is the best way to propagate Utricularia Caerulea?
A: This plant can be propagated by dividing the plant or by using plantlets that grow on the mother plant’s leaves.
Q: Can Utricularia Caerulea be grown in a terrarium?
A: Yes, it can be grown in a terrarium as long as it is provided with a constant supply of clean water.
Related Plants
- Utricularia Inflata
- Utricularia Livida
- Utricularia Gibba
- Utricularia Graminifolia
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utricularia_caerulea
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/water-plants/blue-bladderwort/growing-blue-bladderworts.htm
- https://www.petflytrap.com/Blue-Bladderwort-Utricularia-caerulea-p/223.htm
