Your Guide to Growing Carnivorous Plants
Everyday grow tips and tricks!
About Utricularia
Terrestrial Bladderworts
Tropical Bladderworts
Aquatic Bladderworts
Bladderworts have some of the fastest mechanisms in the plant world.
About Utricularia
Terrestrial
In cultivation, these bladderworts are typically grown in soil mix with peat moss as a main ingredient. I water mine using the tray system and always have them sitting in at least an inch of water, more often 2 or 3 inches.
Tropical
The plants in this category have a more varied soil and water requirements. Some like U. alpina prefer to be sitting in only a small amount of water, less than an inch, while others prefer being waterlogged. Take a look at each species to learn what each likes!
Aquatic
As the name suggests, these bladderworts grow in water. Some float on the surface while others are semi-fixed to the substrate. They have flowers above water.
How do they catch prey?​
Bladderworts have one of the most sophisticated trapping mechanisms though they can be hard to see! Underground (or in the water) you can see small specks that are individual traps. When prey wanders too close and touches a trigger hair, the trap door opens sucking the prey in! This whole movement takes place in less than a second.