Origin
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski, commonly known as the Slender Bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. The plant is native to South Africa and occurs abundantly in the Cape Floristic Region.
Common names
Some common names for Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians include the Slender Bladderwort and the Clinging Bladderwort.
Uses
As a carnivorous plant, Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians has unique adaptations that allow it to capture and digest small aquatic animals. This ability makes it a valuable asset in the field of biological research. It also has uses in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as insect bites, earaches, and respiratory infections.
General appearance
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians is a small herbaceous plant that grows in shallow water, wetlands or at the margins of watercourses. It has thread-like, almost translucent, green leaves that are intricately divided into segments. The plant produces beautiful and intricate yellow flowers with tender hearts and small, bushy antennas. The flower is about 2-2.5 cm long and 1cm wide, and the plant itself reaches about 15cm in length.
Light Requirements
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski requires a lot of sunlight to grow well. The plant thrives best in an open, sunny location with full exposure to sunlight, and it requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day. Plants that receive insufficient sunlight will struggle with stunted growth and pale, yellow leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski is ideally suited to a tropical or subtropical climate with average temperatures ranging between 20°C and 35°C. It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but any exposure to frost or prolonged periods of cold will be detrimental to the plant's growth. Temperatures that are too high can also be problematic, so it is essential to shield the plant from direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil Requirements
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski grows best in nutrient-poor soils that are acidic, well-drained, and moist. The plant is sensitive to soil pH, so it is essential to monitor the pH level of the soil to ensure that it remains between 4.5 and 6.5. Adding peat moss to the soil mix can help to maintain acidity levels. The plant also requires a consistent supply of moisture, so the soil should never be allowed to dry out completely.
Cultivation
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski is a carnivorous plant that grows primarily in wet and swampy regions. To cultivate this plant successfully, it is best to provide it with a pot that is at least 10 cm deep and filled with a mix of sphagnum peat moss and perlite. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic with a range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Since the plant is carnivorous, it doesn't require a substantial quantity of soil. Therefore, the pot's size should be chosen based on the size of the species being grown. Avoid repotting this plant too frequently, as it can cause stress and hinder growth.
Watering Needs
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski requires ample water to survive and grow, but overwatering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot. Water the plant consistently but ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. Keep the soil damp, but not soaking wet.
Water this plant with distilled or rainwater as it is sensitive to the dissolved minerals in hard water. If you decide to use tap water, let it sit for a day or two before watering the plant.
Fertilization
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski does not require much fertilizer, but occasional feeding is essential as they grow slowly, and they get most of their nutrients from insects. Apply a balanced fertilizer only once a month, or if necessary.
Avoid using heavy fertilizers, as they can damage the plant and cause it to lose its vibrant coloration.
Pruning
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski doesn't require many pruning efforts beyond removing any dead or diseased plants once they appear, mainly to avoid pest problems and aid the plant's growth process.
Cut back any older leaves and stems that have turned brown to prevent them from becoming a breeding ground for insects. If the plant has become too large for its container, it is best to let it grow naturally or consider repotting. You can also propagate the plant easily by dividing its clumps during repotting.
Propagation Methods of Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski, also known as the "prey-catching bladderwort," is a carnivorous plant that can be propagated by two primary methods, namely seed and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common method for cultivating Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski. However, propagators must be careful when preparing and sowing the seed as the seeds are exceptionally small. Gardeners can either germinate seeds in a seed starting tray or sow them directly onto the growing medium. The ideal time to sow the seed is in the summer months, preferably between June to August.
The seeds of Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski require stratification before planting. To stratify, the seeds should be stored in damp sand or peat moss for a period of 4-6 weeks at a temperature range of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Doing so enhances seed germination. Once the seeds are ready, they can be sown on top of the soil mixture and then covered with a thin layer of peat moss. While germinating, Seeds must be kept moistened and humid.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can happen naturally and artificially. Vegetative propagation was discovered to occur naturally in the parts of the plant, mainly in the stems, leaves, and roots. This occurs when a segment of the stem, leaf, or root makes contact with the soil and begins to grow roots. This method of propagation is also called asexual reproduction.
Artificial vegetative propagation can be achieved in the following steps:
- Take a mature and healthy Utricularia plant
- Remove a few rhizomes that contain at least one healthy leaf.
- Place the rhizomes in the growing medium at about 2 centimeters deep and moderate the light and temperature to 20-25 degrees Celsius
- Keep the rhizomes damp and wait for about 3-4 weeks
- The new plant will sprout from the rhizome's end, and the roots develop into the growing medium.
Both these propagation methods are efficient, and growers can use a combination of both methods to increase the number of plants.
Disease Management
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski is generally not susceptible to many diseases, but it can fall prey to root rot, leaf spot, and viral diseases.
To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and ensure that the soil is well-draining. In severe cases, removing and destroying the infected plant is necessary. To prevent leaf spot, keep the foliage dry and avoid overcrowding by providing adequate spacing between the plants. Viral diseases are incurable, and the only way to manage them is by removing and destroying the infected plants.
Pest Management
Utricularia prehensilis E.Mey. var. hians (A.DC.) Kamienski is not commonly affected by pests but can be attacked by aphids and spider mites.
Using insecticidal soap or neem oil can help to manage aphids. Regularly spraying the plants with water can also discourage the pests. Spider mites are tiny and hard to see with the naked eye, but their presence can be detected by the presence of webbing on the leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the leaves with water and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil. In severe cases, removing and destroying the infected plant may be the only option.
