Question
QUESTION: hi,

i had asked already a question regarding U gibba. After you answered me I tried to ask a follow up, but couldn't.

Anyway, right now I have my plant in a 3l aquarium. I chose a small one because I didn't have much space and because I thought it would be easier to control in case I get algae, or if I need to change the water or the soil.

I have new questions now:

I wanted to know how often I should change water and soil
Is peat moss reliable for aquatic plants? Lubomir Adamec mentioned it isn't, but he was referring to the Aldrovanda, I wanted to know if it is better to use peat moss or straw.
Also, my Utricularia took off pretty fast and is now sending shoots, should I use a pair of scissors or should I wait for the shoots to separate from the motherplant?
In "Ask the carnivorous plant guys," you teach your audience how to cross-pollinate Sarracenia, would it be possible that you do it with Utricularia or Pinguicula?

Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Alonso,

Since you have it in an aquarium, is there any way you can put an under gravel filter in it?  It will help set up a healthier environment.  With that you should just do partial water changes once a month, just like for fish.

Peat moss or straw will probably do the job.  The goal is to acidify the water some and add tannins.

U. gibba is usually a sprawling weed in water.  If you are wanting to propagate it, just break of sections.  Do wait until the plant has some decent size, however.

Flower pollination is a fairly involved subject.  Pinguicula and Utricularia have more complex flowers that Sarracenia, and they are much smaller.  It's possible, but a bit beyond the scope of the Allexperts format.


Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: OK, thanks for teaching me! well, it definetly makes sense to treat my aquarium as if it were for fish, but wouldn't I have problems if it's a small one? Also, what exactly do you mean by "decent size"? right now it is about 15 cm, I think...

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Alonso,

You're going to have problems anyway because it's so small, and an undergravel filter will help minimize that.  It will also help aerate the water.  Aquatic bladderworts do best in small ponds.

Wait until your bladderworts is at least 1 foot long before cutting sections off.

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com