Utricularia radiata, the little floating bladderwort, is a medium-sized suspended aquatic carnivorous plant that belongs to the genus Utricularia. U. radiata is endemic to North America.
Little floating bladderwort has moderate resistance to disease and needs a very humid environment. However, if ventilation is poor it may be prone to rot. Its care is considered difficult because it needs constant humidification to keep humidity levels high. The plant is also highly prone to rot when the environment lacks good ventilation and becomes too hot. Little floating bladderwort is best suited to growers with more experience who can provide an appropriate growing environment.
How to keep Utricularia Radiata.
Light
The little floating bladderwort is native to habitats with plentiful sunlight, such as open bogs and sunny wetlands. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial sun.
Temperature
Little floating bladderwort prefers moderate temperatures, about the same as what people typically find comfortable. It does best in conditions that are not excessively warm or cold. High temperatures mainly pose a risk of sunburn, so in summer it’s wise to give it some shade to avoid too much heat. When temperatures fall, the plant goes dormant. To keep it growing continuously, you need to keep temperatures higher through the winter. Frost can harm the plant and should be avoided.
Pruning
The little floating bladderwort thrives in aquatic environments and is characterized by its small, floating traps. To manage its overgrowth, encourage new growth, and improve water quality, prune it from early to late spring. Carefully removing dead foliage helps maintain the plant's health and controls its spread, ensuring a vibrant appearance.
Pot & Repot
When repotting Little floating bladderwort, select a pot 1-2 inches (2.5–5 cm) larger that provides ample drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, ensuring the root ball sits slightly below the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place the plant in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Annual, Perennial
- Genus
- Utricularia
- Family
- Lentibulariaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 7-11
- Mature Height
- 0 cm to 30 cm
- Mature Spread
- 10 cm to 30 cm
- Leaf Color
- Light Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Flower Size
- 1.02 cm to 2.03 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Mexico
