Origin and Common Names
Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski, commonly known as the Nuttall's bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in Canada and the United States, specifically in Alaska, the Northwestern territories, and throughout Western Canada. This plant grows in cold bogs, wet meadows, and mossy areas.
General Appearance
The Utricularia subsessilis is relatively small, growing up to 10 cm in height. It has small, rounded leaves that grow in clusters at the base of the stem. The plant produces long, slender stems that bear yellow flowers, which are approximately 1 to 2 cm in diameter. The flowers are pollinated by insects attracted to their bright yellow color. This plant is also known for its carnivorous habit of trapping small aquatic organisms such as mosquito larvae, aquatic worms, and other small aquatic fauna in its small bladder-like traps, which can be found at the end of highly adapted root-like structures.
Uses
Although the Utricularia subsessilis does not have any significant uses for humans, they have been used to study predator-prey relationships in aquatic ecosystems, as well as the evolution of carnivorous behavior in plants. The small size of the Nuttall's bladderwort and its flowers make it a popular plant among collectors, and it is also a popular plant among gardeners who are interested in creating bog gardens. This plant is easy to grow and does not require much care; however, it does require moist soil and growing conditions similar to those found in its natural habitat.
Light Requirements
Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski is a plant that requires plenty of sunlight to grow, so it should be placed in a spot that receives bright, direct light for at least 6 hours per day. However, it should be protected from the intense midday sun to prevent the plant from drying out.
Temperature Requirements
For optimal growth, Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski requires warm temperatures, ideally between 20 and 30°C. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 10°C as they can harm the plant. In regions where winters are cold, it's ideal to grow the plant in a greenhouse or indoors to maintain a moderately warm temperature.
Soil Requirements
The ideal soil conditions for Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski are moisture-retaining, well-drained soils with high organic matter content. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not overwater. A mixture of peat moss, sand, and perlite is an excellent growing medium for this plant. Additionally, the plant can be grown in a hydroponic system using a nutrient-rich solution.
Cultivation of Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski
Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski, commonly known as the humped bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that is relatively easy to grow. It is native to Mexico and prefers to grow in damp soils close to water sources like bogs and streams.
When cultivating this plant in a garden or a greenhouse, it is advisable to plant it in a mix of sphagnum moss, sand, and perlite. The soil mix should be kept moist at all times to mimic the natural growing conditions of the plant.
Watering needs
Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski requires a lot of water to grow and thrive. The soil should be watered frequently to keep it moist, but not overly wet as this can lead to rotting of the roots. In cases where you are growing this plant in a greenhouse or a pot, ensure enough standing water supply is available for the plant to thrive well.
Fertilization
Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski obtains all its nutrients from its carnivorous habit of trapping and digesting insects. Therefore, it does not require any fertilization.
Pruning
As a carnivorous plant, Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski does not require any pruning. You may, however, remove any dead leaves or traps around the plant that can interfere with the growth and aesthetic appearance.
With these cultivation practices, the humped bladderwort can grow well and help to suppress mosquito larvae and other small insects around your garden.
Propagation of Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski
Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski, commonly known as the terrestrial bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant that captures small insects using tiny suction traps dissolved in the leaves. In the wild, this species inhabits moist and shady areas of the forest floor, particularly near water bodies.
Propagation Methods
The plant can reproduce both sexually and asexually. However, the most common propagation method for Utricularia subsessilis is by vegetative means, specifically through division or rhizome cuttings.
Division
The plant can be carefully divided during the growing season, which is usually in spring or early summer. Be sure to use a sharp and sterilized knife or scissors to separate the plant into smaller sections that have at least one growing point or rhizome.
After dividing the plant, plant the smaller sections in individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix, preferably a mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. Place the pots in a shaded area and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Rhizome Cuttings
Another propagation method is by taking rhizome cuttings. This method can be used when dividing the plant is not practical, especially when dealing with small or young plants.
The rhizome cuttings should be taken during the growing season, ideally in spring or early summer. Using a sterilized knife or scissors, cut a section of the rhizome that is at least 2-3 inches long and has at least one growing point or bud.
After taking the rhizome cuttings, plant them in individual pots filled with a well-draining potting mix, preferably a mixture of sand, peat moss, and perlite. Place the pots in a shaded area and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
It is important to note that Utricularia subsessilis is a delicate plant and can be challenging to propagate successfully. The ideal conditions for propagation include high humidity, good ventilation, and filtered light.
Disease and Pest Management for Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski
Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski is a carnivorous plant that is native to South Africa. Some of the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant are:
Diseases
Root Rot: The plant can be affected by root rot due to overwatering or poor drainage. It can be prevented by using well-draining soil and watering the plant only when the top layer of soil is dry to touch.
Yellowing of Leaves: Yellowing of leaves can be a sign of various fungal diseases like powdery mildew or rust. These diseases can be managed by removing the affected leaves and using fungicides as per the instructions.
Viral Diseases: The viral diseases in Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski are not common, but they can be managed by removing the affected parts of the plant and using viral control agents.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites can be a problem, especially in dry conditions. They can be managed by spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slugs and Snails: Slugs and snails can be controlled by using slug baits or copper tape around the plant pot.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs can be removed manually by wiping the plant with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol or using insecticidal soap.
By taking proper care of the Utricularia subsessilis Schltr. ex Kamienski, it can be kept healthy and free from diseases and pests.
