Question
Utricularia nelumbifol
Hi guys,
I've been slowing killing a perfectly healthy plant I bought from you over a year ago - a Utricularia nelumbifolia. I'd read where this species likes to grow in a sphagnum slurry. I used 70-30 peat-perlite in a plugged pot covered with sphagnum moss filled with rain water. It didn't do well so after several months I unplugged it and just kept it wet every day pouring rain water in the pot. It seemed to recover a little but the last few months it's been on the decline again. The only healthy part of the plant is that it sends up a giant flower spike every couple of months, probably thinking it's close to death. I grow it in a greenhouse that resembles highland conditions. Full sun. I'd like to start from scratch again, but not sure whether it's something I can fix like the medium or pot style or is it light/temperature environment?
Thanks,
Guy
AnswerHi Guy,
It was a good idea to let the pot drain freely. Epiphytic bladderworts seem to need good drainage. Your medium is ok. Move your plant to a spot in your greenhouse with partial shade. We were getting our best growth out of this plant when they were in our Nepenthes house in bright indirect light and cool conditions.
Overall I can say that this plant never looks great on the whole. We get pretty good growth, but they are always scraggly and send out their long runners. They are also very prone to aphids.
Since this is an ephiphyte, one approach I haven't tried yet with it is to grow it in a sphagnum moss basket. This might have the advantage of allowing it to grow out different directions the way they like, and providing an airy environment.
Good Growing!
Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com
