Overview
Utricularia cleistogama, also known as Late Autumn Bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the bladderwort family, Lentibulariaceae. It is a small herbaceous plant that is mainly found in North America.
General Appearance
The plant has a leafless stem that grows up to 10 cm in height. The stem is typically slender, erect, and sparsely branched. The plant's roots are thin and delicate. Utricularia cleistogama produces small yellow flowers that grow in clusters at the end of the stem. The plant's leaves are found underwater and are finely divided and submerged.
Origin and Habitat
Utricularia cleistogama is native to eastern North America. The plant is mainly found in the northeastern United States, including New England, and in southeastern Canada. It typically grows in shallow, low-nutrient bogs, fens, and swamps with acidic soils. The plant requires consistently wet soils to thrive and is often found in areas with constantly flowing water.
Common Names
Utricularia cleistogama is commonly known as Late Autumn Bladderwort, Autumn Bladderwort, and Northern Bladderwort.
Uses
Utricularia cleistogama is a carnivorous plant that feeds on small aquatic invertebrates, particularly water fleas and mosquito larvae. The plant catches prey by using small bladders that are found on its leaves. The bladder traps create a suction force that sucks the prey in, where it is then digested. Utricularia cleistogama is mainly used for research purposes due to its unique feeding mechanism and ability to absorb nutrients more efficiently than other plants. It is not commonly used for medicinal purposes.
Light requirements
Utricularia cleistogama requires moderate to bright light. This plant prefers to be grown in partial shade, which means that it should not receive direct sunlight. If grown indoors, place the plant near a window that receives bright, indirect light.
Temperature requirements
Utricularia cleistogama grows best in warm temperatures between 60 and 80°F (16 to 27°C). The plant can tolerate slightly lower temperatures, but growth may slow down significantly. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) or above 90°F (32°C), as this can damage the plant.
Soil requirements
Utricularia cleistogama prefers a well-draining soil. The soil should be moist but not saturated. A recommended soil mix for this plant is a mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand. It is also important to provide good aeration, as this plant does not like to be waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Utricularia cleistogama is a carnivorous plant that requires special care for its cultivation. It is recommended to grow this plant in a terrarium or in a greenhouse, where the conditions can be regulated easily. The plant grows best in a well-draining substrate, which should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
Utricularia cleistogama should be watered regularly to keep the substrate moist. However, care should be taken to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. It is recommended to use rainwater or distilled water, rather than tap water, which may contain minerals that can harm the plant.
Fertilization
Since Utricularia cleistogama is a carnivorous plant, it obtains most of its nutrients from the insects it captures. However, if necessary, the plant can be fertilized using a diluted solution of insectivorous plant fertilizer. It is best to avoid using fertilizers that contain phosphorus or potassium, as these nutrients can build up in the substrate and harm the plant over time.
Pruning
Pruning is generally not required for Utricularia cleistogama. However, if the plant becomes too large or starts to sprawl, it can be trimmed back to promote bushier growth. Care should be taken not to damage the sensitive traps on the leaves while pruning.
Propagation of Utricularia cleistogama
Utricularia cleistogama, commonly known as the hidden-flower bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. The plant is native to North America and can be found growing in bogs, wet savannas, and shallow water. Propagating Utricularia cleistogama is relatively easy and can be done using two primary methods: seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
The easiest way to propagate Utricularia cleistogama is through seed propagation. The plant produces small, oblong-shaped seeds that are black or dark brown in color. To propagate the plant using seeds, collect the seeds when they are mature and sowing them in a container filled with a peat-based, well-draining soil mix. Make sure to keep the soil moist and cover the container with plastic wrap to help maintain a humid environment. Place the container in a warm, brightly-lit location, and the seeds should begin to germinate within two to three weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Utricularia cleistogama involves taking stem cuttings or dividing the plant into multiple sections. To propagate using stem cuttings, select a healthy stem and make a clean cut just below a node. Place the cutting in a container filled with a peat-based, well-draining soil mix and keep the soil moist. In a few weeks, the cutting should produce roots and begin to grow. To propagate by division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the plant into two or more sections. Plant each section in a container filled with soil and water well.
It's worth noting that Utricularia cleistogama can also be propagated using its leaf cuttings. However, this method is less common and can be less effective than stem cuttings or seed propagation.
Disease Management
The Utricularia cleistogama is generally not affected by any serious diseases. However, in damp and humid conditions, bacterial leaf spots may occur, causing blackened and damaged leaves. To manage this, it's important to remove any infected leaves and clear any fallen debris from around the plant. Avoid overhead watering as this can spread the disease. Applying a fungicide may also help to control the spread.
Pest Management
Utricularia cleistogama is relatively pest-resistant, although, in some instances, it can suffer from mealybugs, spider mites or scale insects. Regularly checking your plants for signs of pests can help you detect them early before they cause too much damage. It's important to remove any affected plant parts and dispose of them in a sealed bag to prevent the pests from spreading. Using a horticultural oil or insecticide may help to manage the pests, but be sure to follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
