Utricularia livida
leaden bladderwort
A terrestrial bladderwort. The above ground foliage is in fact stems with the leaves below ground. Microscopic bladders below ground are vacuums, with hair sensors that are triggered by the touch of microorganisms such as daphnia, opening and engulfing their prey. Delicate flowers in lavender and white are borne mainly in the summer months
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Blue White | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Lentibulariaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Matforming
- Genus
Utricularia can be aquatic, terrestrial or epiphytic, insectivorous annuals or perennials with linear to kidney-shaped leaves bearing bladders to trap insects, and solitary or racemose, 2-lipped flowers held above water level
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Temp S Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Water with pure water or rainwater. Stand pots in a few centimetres of water during the growing season. Just keep damp in winter. Position in good light in a frost-free, humid position. Repot divisions ever 2-3 years to keep plants fresh using a moss/sand/peat or peat-free substitute mix. See carnivorous plant cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by division or propagate by seed
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required. Deadhead
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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