About
A terrestrial bladderwort. dainty flowers in lavender and white are borne mainly in the summer months. The above ground foliage is in fact stems with the leaves below ground. Microscopic bladders below ground are vacuums, with hair sensors that are triggered by the touch of microorganisms such as daphnia, opening and engulfing their prey.
About the genus
Utricularia can be aquatic, terrestrial or epiphytic, insectivorous annuals or perennials with linear to kidney-shaped leaves bearing bladders to trap insects, and solitary or racemose, 2-lipped flowers held above water level
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeSand
Soil pHAcid
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeHouseplants, Bogs, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitMatforming
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTemp S Africa
Care notes
CultivationWater with pure water or rainwater. Stand pots in a few centimetres of water during the growing season. Just keep damp in winter. Position in good light in a frost-free, humid position. Repot divisions ever 2-3 years to keep plants fresh using a moss/sand/peat or peat-free substitute mix. See carnivorous plant cultivation
PruningNo pruning required. Deadhead
PropagationPropagate by division or propagate by seed
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free