Origin
Utricularia macrocheilos, also known by its common name Large-lipped bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant species that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. It is native to Thailand and Laos, where it can be found growing in marshes, ponds, and slow-moving streams.
Common Names
Utricularia macrocheilos is commonly known as Large-lipped bladderwort due to its distinctive large, reddish-purple flowers with a big lower lip.
Uses
As a carnivorous plant, Utricularia macrocheilos uses specialized bladder-like traps to capture small aquatic animals such as crustaceans, insects, and protozoa. The plant then uses these trapped animals as a source of nutrients. Although not commonly used for medicinal or culinary purposes, some indigenous communities in Thailand use different species of Utricularia for treating skin rashes and other skin-related issues.
Appearance
Utricularia macrocheilos is a small herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows up to 15-20 cm in height. The plant produces multiple stems that are thin, wiry, and slightly reddish in color. The leaves are arranged in a rosette at the base of the stem and are pinnately-divided, giving them a feathery appearance. The flowers are borne on a long stalk that emerges from the stem and are large, showy, and red-purple in color. The lower lip of the flower is much larger than the upper lip and has a well-defined ridge that serves as a landing pad for visiting insects.
Light Requirements
Utricularia macrocheilos prefers bright, indirect light. It should be placed where it can get plenty of bright, filtered light throughout the day. Direct sunlight can be harmful and can cause the leaves and flowers to burn.
Temperature requirements
The ideal temperature range for Utricularia macrocheilos is between 60°F-80°F (15°C-27°C). The plant is sensitive to extreme temperatures, both cold and hot, which can lead to stunted growth or death. It is important to keep the plant in a consistently warm environment, away from cold drafts or air conditioning vents.
Soil Requirements
Utricularia macrocheilos grows best in peat-based soil that is damp but well-draining. The soil should be acidic, with a pH between 5.0 and 6.5. A good potting mix can be made by combining peat moss, perlite, and sand in equal parts. The plant should be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater, as this can cause the roots to rot.
Cultivation Methods for Utricularia Macrocheilos
Utricularia macrocheilos is an aquatic carnivorous plant that needs to be grown in a pond or a container filled with peat and sand or a mixture of these. It needs a lot of sunlight but doesn't like hot temperatures. Therefore you need to find an appropriate location and provide it with an appropriate growing medium.
The plant does not tolerate waterlogging, so keep an eye on the soil moisture content in the container or pond. Make sure not to have any excess water in the container or pond. You may change a third of the water every month, this helps to maintain the system and prevent water stagnation.
Watering Needs for Utricularia Macrocheilos
Utricularia macrocheilos' watering needs are unique because it is an aquatic plant. Make sure that the plant is always inside the pot or soil mixture or in a pond and that it is floating in water all the time. But, be careful not to let the water stagnate for long periods. You may change one-third of the water every month to mitigate this problem. So, you have to take care of the water level constantly.
Fertilization for Utricularia Macrocheilos
This aquatic plant is carnivorous. It derives all its nutrients from prey captured by underground traps. The plant catches small aquatic organisms like protozoans, tiny insects, and crustaceans. Therefore, fertilization for Utricularia macrocheilos is not necessary, especially if it is located in a good ecosystem.
Pruning for Utricularia Macrocheilos
Utricularia macrocheilos does not really need any pruning, but when dead leaves start to accumulate or roots become too long, they need to be removed. Dying leaves or those that have fallen into the water need to be removed immediately to prevent water deterioration.
Propagation of Utricularia Macrocheilos
Utricularia macrocheilos is a carnivorous plant species found in the Philippines, particularly in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Like most carnivorous plants, it can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, and seed germination.
Leaf Cuttings
Utricularia macrocheilos can be propagated by leaf cuttings. To do this, you need to select a healthy and mature leaf from the parent plant. Using a sharp razor blade, carefully cut the leaf into small segments, making sure that each segment contains at least one vein.
Fill a pot with a mixture of peat moss and sand and put the leaf segments on the surface. Cover the pot with clear plastic to maintain high humidity levels, and put it in a bright, warm place with indirect sunlight. Once the cuttings have rooted, which should take about three to four weeks, you can remove the plastic cover and move the pot to an area with more light.
Division
Another way to propagate Utricularia macrocheilos is through division. This method is best done during the plant's growing season, which is from spring to summer. Carefully remove the parent plant from its pot and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure that each section has roots and new growth. Repot each section in a pot with fresh soil mixture and water thoroughly.
Seed Germination
Utricularia macrocheilos can also be propagated through seed germination. Collect ripe seeds from the parent plant, which usually occurs in late summer to early autumn. Sow the seeds in a moist soil mix and cover them lightly with sand or vermiculite. Keep the pot in a warm and bright place with high humidity levels. The seeds should germinate in about two to three weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough, transplant them to individual pots.
Propagation of Utricularia macrocheilos requires patience and attention to detail. However, with the right conditions and proper care, you can achieve successful propagation and enjoy this unique and fascinating carnivorous plant in your collection.
Disease Management
Utricularia macrocheilos is a relatively disease-resistant plant and is not prone to many diseases. However, there are certain diseases that can affect the plant. One common disease is fungal leaf spot, which appears as small brown spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is critical to remove infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant. Additionally, applying copper-based fungicides or neem oil can also help in controlling the fungal leaf spot disease.
Pest Management
Similar to diseases, U. macrocheilos is not highly susceptible to pests. Nevertheless, there are a few pests that can attack the plant, potentially causing severe damage. One of the most common pests is aphids, which tend to infest new tender growth and can cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To control aphids, one can spray insecticidal soap or neem oil on the plant regularly. Another pest that can attack the plant is spider mites, which can create webbing on the plant and cause leaves to appear yellow or grey. Controlling spider mites involves increasing humidity levels around the plant and using insecticidal soap or neem oil to reduce their numbers.
