How to Grow Bladderworts - Utricularia

Utricularia – Bladderworts (Aquatic and Terrestrial)

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright light to partial sun
  • Water: Distilled, rain, or RO only — always moist or submerged
  • Soil: Peat-based or sphagnum mix (terrestrial types)
  • Humidity: Moderate to high preferred
  • Temperature: 60–85°F for most species
  • Dormancy: Depends on species (many do not require it)
  • Feeding: Not needed — traps microscopic prey
  • Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Utricularia, or bladderworts, are unique carnivorous plants that use tiny underwater or underground traps to capture microscopic prey. They produce delicate, often orchid-like flowers and can grow rapidly under the right conditions.

They come in several forms—aquatic, terrestrial, and epiphytic—but most commonly grown varieties are very easy and rewarding.

Growing Conditions – Match the Type

Understanding whether your plant is aquatic or terrestrial is key to success.

Light

  • Bright light to partial sun
  • 4–8+ hours of strong light daily
  • Grow lights work very well indoors

Signs:
Weak growth or no flowering → not enough light
Compact growth and frequent flowers → ideal conditions

Temperature

  • Most species: 60–85°F (15–29°C)
  • Tolerates moderate variation

Some temperate species require dormancy, but most commonly grown types do not.

Humidity

  • Moderate to high preferred
  • Adaptable depending on species

Good airflow helps prevent mold in dense growth.

Aquatic Utricularia

These species grow freely in water and do not require soil.

Setup

  • Container of distilled, rain, or RO water
  • Can be grown in aquariums, tubs, or outdoor containers
  • Floating or loosely anchored

Care

  • Keep water clean and free of minerals
  • Bright light promotes growth and flowering
  • Occasional water changes help maintain quality

They naturally capture microscopic organisms in the water—no feeding required.

Terrestrial and Epiphytic Utricularia

These grow in moist soil or moss and are the most popular for indoor growing.

Soil

  • 1:1 peat moss + perlite
  • Or long-fiber sphagnum

Epiphytic types prefer pure sphagnum or very airy mixes.

Watering

  • Keep soil consistently moist to wet
  • Tray method works well

Do not allow to dry out.

Beginner Varieties

  • Utricularia sandersonii – small flowers, very easy
  • Utricularia livida – fast-growing and adaptable
  • Utricularia bisquamata – prolific and forgiving
  • Utricularia dichotoma – great flowering species
  • Aquatic species – excellent for water setups

Watering – Always Moist

  • Use only distilled, rain, or RO water
  • Keep consistently moist or fully aquatic depending on type

These plants are highly sensitive to drying out.

Feeding – Not Needed

Utricularia trap microscopic prey automatically:

  • Algae organisms
  • Protozoa
  • Small aquatic life

No manual feeding or fertilizer is required.

Repotting

  • Only when overcrowded or media breaks down

These plants spread quickly and can fill containers fast.

Dormancy

Depends on species:

  • Tropical species: no dormancy required
  • Temperate aquatic species: may form winter buds (turions)

Most commonly grown indoor species grow year-round.

Common Issues

  • No flowering → not enough light
  • Decline → poor water quality
  • Mold or rot → stagnant conditions
  • Disappearing growth → normal spreading underground

Quick Reality Check

If your Utricularia isn’t thriving, it’s usually:

  • Not enough light
  • Poor water quality
  • Drying out (terrestrial types)

Fix those and they grow fast and often flower continuously.

Pro tip: Many Utricularia spread invisibly—just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t growing.