Contents
Description
Utricularia Muelleri, commonly known as the soft bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. It is native to South America and can be found growing in wetlands, bogs, and marshes. The plant is named after Ferdinand von Mueller, a famous German-Australian botanist.The plant has small, bladder-like traps that it uses to catch and digest small aquatic invertebrates. These traps are highly specialized structures that work through a suction mechanism, where the prey is sucked into the trap and then digested by enzymes secreted by the plant. Utricularia Muelleri is a free-floating plant that can grow up to 10 cm in length.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus | Utricularia |
Appearance
Utricularia Muelleri has small, pale purple flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The leaves are thin and thread-like and are divided into segments. The plant is free-floating, and the traps are visible on the underside of the leaves. The traps are small and bladder-like, measuring around 2-3 mm in length. The plant has a delicate appearance and can add a unique touch to any water garden.
Care Guide
Water: Utricularia Muelleri prefers to grow in shallow water that is rich in nutrients. The water level should be kept at around 10 cm, and the plant should be kept moist at all times.Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization as it obtains its nutrients from the prey it captures.Soil: Utricularia Muelleri does not require soil as it is a free-floating plant. It can be grown directly in water, using sand or gravel as a substrate.Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can be grown indoors near a window or outdoors in a shaded area.Hardiness Zones: Utricularia Muelleri is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Utricularia Muelleri is generally pest and disease-free. However, it may occasionally suffer from fungal infections or rot if the water is not kept clean. Regular water changes and the use of a biological filter can help prevent these issues.
Habitat
Utricularia Muelleri is native to South America and can be found growing in wetlands, bogs, and marshes. It prefers to grow in shallow water that is rich in nutrients.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Utricularia Muelleri be grown in a fish tank?
A: Yes, Utricularia Muelleri can be grown in a fish tank. It can add a unique touch to the aquarium and can also help control the population of small invertebrates.
Q: How often should I change the water when growing Utricularia Muelleri?
A: The water should be changed every 2-3 weeks to keep it clean and prevent the growth of algae or bacteria.
Q: Does Utricularia Muelleri require a lot of sunlight?
A: Utricularia Muelleri prefers bright, indirect sunlight. It can be grown indoors near a window or outdoors in a shaded area.
Q: Can Utricularia Muelleri be propagated through cuttings?
A: Yes, Utricularia Muelleri can be propagated through cuttings. Simply cut a small section of the plant and place it in a container of water or moist soil. Roots should begin to form within a few weeks.
Related Plants
- Utricularia gibba
- Utricularia inflata
- Utricularia vulgaris
- Drosera capensis
- Sarracenia purpurea
References
- Bonfim, J. A., & Negrelle, R. R. (2013). Seed germination and in vitro propagation of the carnivorous plant Utricularia muelleri (Lentibulariaceae). Acta Biologica Colombiana, 18(3), 577-586.
- Givnish, T. J. (2015). Plant carnivory: a phylogenetic perspective. The New phytologist, 205(3), 972-983.
- Juniper, B. E., Robins, R. J., & Joel, D. M. (1989). The carnivorous plants. Academic Press.
