Overview
Utricularia gyrans Suess. is a species of carnivorous plant belonging to the bladderwort family. It is native to South America and can be found in countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. It is commonly used as an aquarium plant due to its unique appearance.
Common Names
Utricularia gyrans Suess. is commonly known as the "Float Bladderwort" due to its tendency to float on water surfaces. It is also called "Dancing Plant" because of the way its leaves move with the slightest water movement.
Appearance
The Utricularia gyrans Suess. plant has a unique and interesting appearance. It has thin, bright green leaves that can grow up to 20cm in length. The upper leaves of the plant are oval in shape with pointed tips and have a distinct vein pattern. The plant's roots are translucent, thread-like, and have tiny, suction-like bladders at the tips that allow the plant to capture small aquatic organisms like water fleas and mosquito larvae.
Uses
Utricularia gyrans Suess. is a popular plant for aquariums. Its delicate leaves and unique movements add character to any fish tank. Additionally, the plant's carnivorous nature also helps to control population of undesirable aquatic insects in the aquarium without using chemicals. This plant is also known for its medicinal uses in South America for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Light Requirements
Utricularia gyrans Suess. is a type of plant that requires bright but indirect light. It can be grown near a window with filtered light, under artificial fluorescent light, or in a greenhouse. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can cause the plants to dry out quickly or burn the leaves.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Utricularia gyrans Suess. plant growth is between 21°C to 26°C. If the temperature drops below 15°C, the plant's growth will slow down, and it may die if the temperature gets below 5°C. Similarly, if the temperature goes above 32°C, the plant may stop growing and dry out quickly.
Soil Requirements
Utricularia gyrans Suess. is a carnivorous plant that grows well in moist and well-drained soil. The soil should be low in nutrients and have a pH between 5 and 7. The best soil medium for this plant is a mix of sphagnum moss, peat moss, perlite, and sand. The plant should be watered by placing it in a tray containing distilled or rainwater to avoid salt and mineral build-up in the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Utricularia gyrans Suess., commonly referred to as the humped bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that requires specific growing conditions. It is native to South America and prefers warm, humid environments. The plant can be grown outdoors in warm, moist areas or indoors in a terrarium with high humidity levels.
When growing outdoors, the plant can be grown in a bog garden, where the soil is regularly saturated with water. In indoor settings, it is best to augment the humidity of the terrarium with a humidifier or by spraying the plant with water every few days.
Watering Needs
The humped bladderwort requires a constant supply of water to thrive. For outdoor plants, the bog garden should always be saturated with water. For indoor plants, the soil should be kept moist at all times. The plant can also be submerged in distilled water for short periods to simulate its natural habitat.
Fertilization
The humped bladderwort can obtain all necessary nutrients from the insects it captures. However, it can also benefit from regular fertilization to promote growth and vitality. Use a diluted, organic fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid using chemical fertilizers, which can harm the plant.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the humped bladderwort. However, dead or dying leaves and stems can be trimmed back to improve the plant's appearance. Trimming can also promote new growth and prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Utricularia gyrans Suess.
Utricularia gyrans Suess., commonly known as the waving bladderwort, is a unique plant that belongs to the bladderwort family Lentibulariaceae. It is a perennial carnivorous plant native to South America that typically grows in nutrient-poor soils in wetlands, marshes, and bogs. It is relatively easy to grow and propagate this plant, which can yield many individuals that will thrive under the right conditions.
Propagation methods
The most popular propagation method for Utricularia gyrans Suess. is through seed germination, which can be done indoors in a controlled environment or outdoors during the spring or summer months. The plant also propagates vegetatively by dividing the established clumps or rootstock. The proper techniques for both methods are as follows:
Seed propagation
To propagate waving bladderwort seeds, the seeds must be collected manually when the seed pods have turned yellow and opened. These should be sown directly onto a moist but well-drained substrate, like sphagnum or peat moss. The seeds must be kept moist with frequent light watering and exposed to light, as they require sunlight for germination. The ideal temperature range for seed germination is 68-75°F. Their germination typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Vegetative propagation
Another way to propagate waving bladderwort is vegetatively, by dividing the established clumps or rootstock. This should be done in the spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Healthy clumps are carefully dug out and gently pulled apart or cut into sections using sterilized scissors or a sharp knife. Each section should have healthy leaves and roots and be re-planted into a new container that is filled with a similar substrate as the parent plant. The new plants should be kept moist and the soil pH should be in the range of 5 to 7.
Overall, propagating waving bladderwort is relatively easy for both seed and vegetative methods, and it is a great way to expand one's collection of carnivorous plants. The key to success is providing the right growing conditions and being patient.
DISEASE AND PEST MANAGEMENT FOR UTRICULARIA GYRANS SUESS.
Utricularia gyrans Suess. is a carnivorous plant that can be affected by several diseases and pests. Here are some common problems that may arise and ways to manage them.
DISEASES
One of the most common diseases that can affect Utricularia gyrans Suess. is root rot, caused by overwatering or poor drainage. To prevent root rot, make sure the soil is well-draining and not kept too moist. If root rot has already set in, remove the affected plant parts and repot the plant in fresh soil.
Fungal infections can also be a problem for Utricularia gyrans Suess. To prevent fungal infections, make sure the plant is not overcrowded and has good air circulation. If fungal infections occur, remove affected plant parts and treat the plant with a fungicide.
PESTS
Utricularia gyrans Suess. can also be affected by various pests, including aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. To control these pests, regularly inspect the plant for any sign of infestation, and remove affected plant parts or use an insecticidal soap or oil to get rid of pests.
Slugs and snails are also common pests that can damage Utricularia gyrans Suess. To manage them, handpick them when seen or use a slug or snail bait.
Finally, it's important to note that Utricularia gyrans Suess. is a delicate plant that can easily be damaged by rough handling or physical disturbances. Be careful when handling the plant and avoid any damage to its sensitive leaves and traps.
