Utricularia
 


 

The most diverse family of carnivorous plants makes its debut at Midtown Carnivores: Utricularia bladderworts! These carnivorous plants comprise over 200 described species so far. Some species grow terrestrially on land, while aquatic varieties grow submerged, and while yet other epiphytic species grow on otherwise inhospitable conditions.

These plants grow organic bladders which, when triggered by nearby movement, open in a fraction of a second, allowing surrounding water and the triggering organism to be instantly sucked into the bladder trap. In almost the same moment, the trap shuts, preventing escape, and the bladder fills with enzymes to digest its caught prey.

While the traps are visible in most aquatic species, the bladders are grown under the soil line in terrestrial types, and these are often cultivated by growers not specifically for their carnivory, but rather for their resplendent flowers, many of which have been referred to as miniature orchids.
 




 

Utricularia sandersonii
Common name?

In warm, bright conditions, this terrestrial bladderwort
produces a flower stalk, upon which white flowers emerge, with each shaped vaguely like the head of a bunny.

Grows well indoors w/ artificial lightingGrows well on a sunny south- or 
        east-facing windowsill year-round.

Starter plug
, 1.5" pot: $4.00

Plant care information (.pdf):

 






Symbol Legend  


Requires a period of winter dormancy each year. For more information, see the care sheet for each plant.
Grows well indoors under fluorescent lighting.
Grows well on a sunny south- or east-facing windowsill year-round.
Grows well outdoors under full sun, but should be brought indoors in the winter.