Common Bladderwort
utricularia vulgaris
Also known as: ["Bladderwort","Water Bladderwort"]
Overview
A carnivorous aquatic plant with small yellow flowers and bladder-like traps for capturing small aquatic organisms.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","rare/collector’s item"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Genus: | Utricularia |
| Botanical Name: | Utricularia vulgaris |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: aquatic or bog garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: not required
- Drainage: Very well-draining but water-retentive.
- Soil Type: Nutrient-poor, acidic medium like sphagnum moss or peat with sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically during dormancy or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light; only remove dead parts or spent flowers.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade; 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily, with some afternoon shade in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from scorching by providing shade during peak hours; adjust placement based on seasonal light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
challengingmoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid deep shade; rotate the pot for even growth; use shade cloth in extreme heat.
Watering
continuously submerged in water
Maintain waterlogged conditions; use rainwater or distilled water; avoid letting the medium dry out.
Soil
peat-based, acidic, nutrient-poor substrate
pH: Acidic, pH 4.5–6.0.
Keep soil perpetually moist; avoid organic fertilizers; replace medium if it becomes compacted.
Temperature
Warm to hot conditions; 20–30°C (68–86°F) during growth; cooler temperatures (10–15°C or 50–59°F) during dormancy.
Monitor temperature fluctuations; use a heat mat in cold; mist foliage in heat.
Fertilizing
not required, as it is carnivorous
Never fertilize; use live or dried insects occasionally if desired; maintain nutrient-poor water.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or runners; occasionally by seed in controlled conditions.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Separate rhizomes with roots.
- Plant in wet medium.
- Maintain high humidity.
- Wait for new growth.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity, warm temperatures (20–25°C or 68–77°F), and bright indirect light.
Medium
Sphagnum moss or a mix of peat and sand; keep constantly wet.
Hormone
Not necessary for rhizome division; optional for seed germination.
Timeline
Rhizome division: immediate growth; seed germination: 2–4 weeks for sprouting, months to establish.
Tools Needed
Sharp knife, sterile cutting surface, tray for water, humidity dome.
Quick Tips
Ensure each division has roots; keep medium saturated; avoid disturbing new growth.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip dead leaves or stems at the base; avoid cutting healthy growth.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning; remove dead or decaying material to prevent fungal growth.
Tools
Clean scissors or pruners.
Checklist
Check for dead material; sanitize tools; dispose of removed parts away from the plant.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
One size up from current pot; ensure it accommodates root spread without being too large.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim dead roots; replace with fresh, wet medium; ensure good drainage.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the medium decomposes; necessary to maintain healthy root growth.
Checklist
Prepare new wet medium; sanitize pot; handle roots gently; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check moisture daily; use rainwater; ensure no dry pockets in the medium; maintain water level in the tray.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom; ensure the growing medium remains saturated; water in the morning to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Keep the soil consistently moist to wet; water daily during active growth, reducing slightly in winter dormancy.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for aeration; use distilled or rainwater to prevent mineral buildup.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, reduced trap formation, or stunted growth.
Cold Stress
Slows metabolism, halts growth, and can lead to root damage or death in prolonged cold.
Solution: Provide bottom heat if needed; move to a warmer location; reduce watering during dormancy.
Hot Stress
Causes leaf burn, dehydration, and reduced photosynthesis efficiency.
Solution: Increase humidity, provide shade, and ensure consistent watering.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Do not fertilize; ensure water is nutrient-free; provide natural prey if possible.
Fertilizing Method
Not required, as Utricularia vulgaris is carnivorous and derives nutrients from prey; avoid fertilizing to prevent harm.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicUtricularia vulgaris is not toxic to cats. The plant does not pose any known health risks to felines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicUtricularia vulgaris is not toxic to dogs. The plant does not contain any known compounds that are harmful to canines.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicUtricularia vulgaris, commonly known as common bladderwort, is not considered toxic to humans. It is a carnivorous aquatic plant that primarily captures small invertebrates for nutrients. There are no known toxic effects on human physiology.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Utricularia vulgaris toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How does Utricularia vulgaris trap its prey?
A: It uses small bladder-like traps that create a vacuum to suck in small aquatic organisms.
Q: Can Utricularia vulgaris be grown in a home aquarium?
A: Yes, it can be grown in aquariums, but it requires specific conditions to thrive.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Lentibulariaceae |
| Care: | challenging |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | continuously submerged in wate |
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