Overview

Aldrovanda vesiculosa is a plant with a floating habit in the genus Aldrovanda, part of the Droseraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Aldrovanda vesiculosa grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam soils and acid pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include aquatic carnivorous plant. It is native to Amur, Assam, Bangladesh, Belarus, Botswana, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central European Russia, Chad, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Manchuria, Mongolia, New South Wales, North Caucasus, Northern Territory, Northwest European Russia, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Primorye, Queensland, Romania, Rwanda, South European Russia, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Transcaucasus, Ukraine, Western Australia and Zambia.

About

Aldrovanda vesiculosa is a floating, aquatic carnivorous plant with deciduous foliage. It prefers full sun in a sheltered, south-facing position and grows in loamy, acidic substrate that is moist but well-drained. It is rated H5 in the UK and is most active through spring and summer.

About the genus

Aldrovanda is a genus of carnivorous plants encompassing one extant species: the waterwheel plant. It also covers numerous extinct taxa.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Aldrovanda

Sunlight
Full sun
Soil type
Loam
Soil pH
Acid
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
South-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H5

Plant details

Aldrovanda vesiculosa size, habit and characteristics

Habit
Floating
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Aquatic carnivorous plant
Native to
Amur, Assam, Bangladesh, Belarus, Botswana, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Central European Russia, Chad, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Ghana, Hungary, India, Inner Mongolia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Khabarovsk, Lesser Sunda Is., Madagascar, Manchuria, Mongolia, New South Wales, North Caucasus, Northern Territory, Northwest European Russia, NW. Balkan Pen., Poland, Primorye, Queensland, Romania, Rwanda, South European Russia, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Transcaucasus, Ukraine, Western Australia, Zambia

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Aldrovanda vesiculosa

Propagation
Turions
Pest resistance
High
Disease resistance
High

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Aldrovanda vesiculosa?

Aldrovanda vesiculosa prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Aldrovanda vesiculosa need?

Aldrovanda vesiculosa grows best in loam soil. It prefers acid soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Aldrovanda vesiculosa hardy in the UK?

Aldrovanda vesiculosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Aldrovanda vesiculosa?

Turions.