Question
Hi, I recently got an Utricularia gibba. I learned that it is easy to grow and that it is even considered a pest in New Zeland. But I would still like to know what is the best way to care for it.

Also, i got a U longifolia, you mentione in your website that i should give filtered sun to this plant, but i was wondering if i could give it partial or even full sun.

Thanks!

Alonso

Answer
Hi Alonso,

With most of the aquatic Utricularia they do best in water that is acidified.  Take a big handful of peat moss and bring it to a boil in a large pot.  Using more is fine.  Let it cool, then add it to the water container where you are going to have the bladderwort.  Aquatic utric do best in large, deep containers.  If you have a small pond that is ideal.  Avoid clear or white containers since they tend to encourage algae growth.  I would use a container no less than 20 gallon.   Bigger is better in this situation.  You may want to give it some shade also to keep the water temperature down some.  We lost a bunch of U. gibba when the water temperature got too hot.

U. longifolia is very adaptable, but ours do best in partial shade.  If you are in a part of Mexico that is very humid, full sun is probably fine.  Just see how they do.  It may vary some depending on your conditions.


Good Growing!

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