Utricularia Lateriflora is an aquatic carnivorous plant belonging to the bladderwort family. It grows in shallow water and is known for its ability to trap and digest small aquatic organisms like water fleas and mosquito larvae. The plant is native to North America, specifically the eastern United States.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia Lateriflora has small, pale yellow flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers have two lips, with the upper lip being larger and more prominent than the lower lip. The plant has thin, thread-like leaves that float on the surface of the water. It also has small, bladdery structures called utricles that it uses to catch and digest its prey.
Care Guide
Utricularia Lateriflora requires a lot of sunlight to thrive. It should be planted in shallow water, no more than 6 inches deep, in a nutrient-poor soil like peat moss or sand. The plant should be fertilized with a low-nitrogen fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. It is important to keep the water level consistent to prevent the plant from drying out. Utricularia Lateriflora is hardy in USDA zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia Lateriflora is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be prone to rot if the water is too still or if the soil is too wet. If this occurs, the plant should be removed from the water and allowed to dry out for a few days.
Habitat
Utricularia Lateriflora is found in shallow, still or slow-moving water in wetlands, ponds, and marshes. It is native to the eastern United States, from Maine to Florida, and can also be found in parts of Canada.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Utricularia Lateriflora be grown indoors?
A: No, Utricularia Lateriflora requires a lot of sunlight and should be grown outdoors in shallow water.
Q: How often should Utricularia Lateriflora be watered?
A: Utricularia Lateriflora should be planted in shallow water and kept consistently moist.
Q: Is Utricularia Lateriflora safe for fish?
A: Yes, Utricularia Lateriflora is safe for fish and can even provide a source of food for them.
Q: How can I propagate Utricularia Lateriflora?
A: Utricularia Lateriflora can be propagated by dividing the plant in the spring or by planting seeds.
Related Plants
- Utricularia Gibba
- Utricularia Inflata
- Utricularia Purpurea
References
- “Utricularia Lateriflora.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286347. Accessed 13 Sept. 2021.
- “Utricularia Lateriflora.” Plant Delights Nursery, www.plantdelights.com/products/utricularia-lateriflora. Accessed 13 Sept. 2021.
- “Utricularia Lateriflora.” National Wildlife Federation, www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Plants-and-Fungi/Utricularia-lateriflora. Accessed 13 Sept. 2021.
