Humped Bladderwort
utricularia gibba
Also known as: ["Humped Bladderwort","Small Bladderwort"]
Overview
A small, aquatic carnivorous plant known for its bladder-like traps used to capture small aquatic organisms.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus: | Utricularia |
| Botanical Name: | Utricularia gibba |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: Wetland garden, bog garden, or aquatic container
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"8–11"}
- Misting: Rarely required, as it thrives in waterlogged conditions
- Drainage: Excellent drainage; water should not pool around roots.
- Soil Type: Sphagnum moss, peat-based mix, or a specialized carnivorous plant mix; must be nutrient-poor and acidic.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or when dead stems are visible.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; remove only dead or overgrown parts without drastically reducing size.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; can tolerate direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light to prevent scorching; place in a spot with filtered light if outdoors; indoors, use a north or east-facing window.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade
Avoid direct afternoon sun; rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light.
Watering
Keep substrate consistently moist to wet, never allowing it to dry out
Maintain high humidity around the plant; water with distilled or rainwater to avoid mineral buildup; ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
Sphagnum moss or peat-based mix with a waterlogged substrate
pH: Acidic, between 4.5–6.5 pH.
Use acidic, nutrient-poor soil; ensure fast drainage; avoid fertilizers in soil mix.
Temperature
Prefers warm temperatures between 70–85°F (21–29°C); can tolerate cooler temperatures down to 50°F (10°C) but growth may slow.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain stable warmth; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
Not required, as it is a carnivorous plant that derives nutrients from captured prey
Dilute fertilizer heavily to prevent burn; fertilize only during active growth; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or division of rhizomes; stem cuttings are the most common method for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy stem cutting.
- Dip in rooting hormone if desired.
- Plant in moist propagation medium.
- Maintain high humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (75–85°F), and indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and perlite; keep medium consistently moist.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is optional but can speed up root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth can appear in 6–8 weeks.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone, propagation tray, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings moist; provide bottom heat for faster rooting; use clean tools to prevent disease.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip stems just above a node or junction; trim carefully to avoid damaging healthy tissue.
Pruning Plan
Prune to remove dead or yellowing stems, encourage bushier growth, and maintain plant health.
Tools
Sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
Checklist
Use clean tools; prune dead or yellowing stems; avoid over-pruning; sterilize tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Use a pot one size larger than the current one; ensure it has drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in a fresh, well-draining mix; ensure good drainage at the bottom.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; Utricularia gibba prefers being slightly root-bound.
Checklist
Use fresh soil mix; check for root-bound roots; ensure proper drainage; handle roots gently.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Use distilled or rainwater; maintain consistent moisture; ensure fast drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring even moisture distribution; avoid wetting the foliage to prevent fungal issues; water early in the day to allow foliage to dry.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged; reduce watering slightly in winter if growth slows.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand to improve drainage; use distilled or rainwater to maintain acidity; avoid organic matter that retains too much moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or wilting in extreme heat or cold; buds may drop if temperatures fluctuate drastically.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can slow metabolic processes, leading to reduced growth and potential tissue damage if prolonged.
Solution: Move the plant to a warmer location; use a heat mat if necessary; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause dehydration, leaf scorch, or wilting, especially if humidity is low.
Solution: Increase humidity with a pebble tray or mister; provide shade during peak heat; ensure adequate ventilation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; fertilize during growing season; avoid winter feeding; flush soil periodically.
Fertilizing Method
Use a weak solution of liquid fertilizer (diluted to 1/4 strength) every 2–4 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicUtricularia gibba is not known to be toxic to cats. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to felines, even if ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicUtricularia gibba is not known to be toxic to dogs. The plant does not produce any known compounds that are harmful to canines, even if ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicUtricularia gibba is not known to have any toxic effects on humans. It is a carnivorous plant that primarily captures small aquatic organisms and does not produce any known toxic compounds harmful to humans.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Utricularia gibba easy to grow?
A: It requires specific aquatic conditions and is moderately challenging to cultivate.
Q: Does Utricularia gibba have any medicinal uses?
A: There is no widely documented medicinal use for this plant.
Q: Can Utricularia gibba be grown indoors?
A: It is primarily an outdoor aquatic plant and thrives in natural water bodies.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | Keep substrate consistently mo |
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