Origin
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor, also known as the Small-Flowered Bladderwort, is a carnivorous plant species that belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family. This plant is native to Angola, a country located in southwestern Africa, particularly in coastal areas and riverbanks near sea level.
Common Names
The Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor is commonly known as the Small-Flowered Bladderwort because it produces small yellow flowers that have an attractive look. The plant is also known as the Welwitsch's bladderwort, named after the botanist Friedrich Welwitsch who discovered the plant species in 1859.
Uses
The Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor is a carnivorous plant species that extensively uses its trap structures to capture minute aquatic organisms. The plant's leaves are highly modified to form bladder-like structures called traps that can suck in small invertebrates such as water fleas. The plant's root system is primarily restricted to anchorage and does not play a significant role in nutrient acquisition.
General Appearance
The Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor is a small, herbaceous perennial plant that has a prostrate or erect growth habit. The plant has numerous leaves that are arranged in a rosette-like fashion and divided into many small segments. The leaves have bladder-like structures that are used to capture small aquatic invertebrates. In the flowering season, the plant produces multiple yellow flowers on long stems that emerge above the water surface. The flowers are small, about 7-10 mm in length, and each possesses a distinct spur at the back. The overall appearance of the plant is attractive and distinct, making it an ideal aquatic plant for the home pond or aquarium.
Light conditions for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor is a carnivorous plant that requires a significant amount of light for proper growth. Therefore, it is recommended that it be grown in bright light or under direct sunlight. However, it should also be protected from excessive heat and intense midday sun, which may cause damage to the plant, especially during the summer months.
Temperature requirements for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor is a tropical plant that thrives in warm or hot temperatures. It requires a temperature range of 65 to 85°F (18 to 29°C) during the day and 50 to 60°F (10 to 15.5°C) during the night. The plant may not grow well in temperatures below 50°F (10°C), and frost can cause significant harm.
Soil requirements for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
The soil mix used for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor should be well-draining since the plant does not like to be waterlogged. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand in a 2:1:1 ratio is ideal. The plant also prefers acidic soils with a pH between 5.0 and 5.5. Additionally, as a carnivorous plant, Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor requires growing in nitrogen-free soil. Therefore, it's best to avoid using fertilizer since it may hinder the plant's health.
Cultivation methods for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor, also known as the fairy apron, is a carnivorous plant that requires specialized care for proper growth and survival. The plant grows best in damp soil and prefers partial shade to full sunlight. When cultivating Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor, it is important to ensure that the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause the plant's leaves to wilt and die.
This plant is best grown in pots with a peat- or sphagnum moss-based soil mix. You should ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to help prevent water-logging. It thrives in acidic soil, so it is recommended to add a few drops of vinegar to the water to acidify it.
Watering needs for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor's watering requirements are unique because of its carnivorous nature. Since it is a bog plant, it should be kept consistently moist at all times, but not water-logged. A saucer under the pot is also not recommended as the plant does not like standing in water. You can water the plant with rainwater or distilled water, as tap water may be too alkaline for the plant.
Fertilization of Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor obtains most of its nutrients from the insects it traps. However, for the plant to grow, it still requires supplemental fertilization. The recommended fertilizer for this plant is a diluted carnivorous plant fertilizer. You can fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Pruning Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor does not require any pruning, as the plant is quite small, with only a few leaves and flowers. The dead leaves can be cut and discarded, and the genus has no dormant period, so new growth continues throughout the year if the conditions are right.
Propagation of Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor is commonly propagated through division or seed sowing.
Division
The best time to divide these plants is during the growing season, which is considered the rainy season. The plant should be carefully lifted from the pot and gently divided into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one healthy rhizome with some leaves attached. The new sections should be planted into pots with appropriate media under appropriate light and temperature conditions.
Seed sowing
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor can also be propagated from seed. The seeds should be sown on the surface of a dampened carnivorous plant soil mix that is low in nutrients. The mix should be kept wet but not waterlogged and placed in bright, filtered light.
It is recommended that seeds should be surface-sterilized before sowing using a weak bleach solution or other appropriate seed sterilization method. Germination should occur within 1-4 weeks. The young plants should be grown in appropriate media under appropriate light and temperature conditions, and should be handled with extreme care to avoid damage to the delicate roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor is a fascinating carnivorous plant with delicate leaves and small, beautiful flowers. While these plants are generally easy to care for, they are susceptible to a few pests and diseases that can harm them. Here are some common issues that you might encounter and ways to manage them:
Pests
Aphids: These tiny, pear-shaped insects can cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves, feeding on plant sap and excreting a sticky substance called honeydew that encourages fungal growth. Manage aphids by removing infested leaves, squishing the insects by hand, or by using a strong blast of water to dislodge them. Alternatively, release ladybugs to eat the aphids.
Spider mites: These tiny, eight-legged pests may be tough to spot, but you may notice the leaves become stippled or pale. You can control spider mites by keeping the humidity high around the plant. If the problem worsens, you can also try spraying the plant with insecticidal soap or releasing predatory mites that feed on spider mites.
Diseases
Powdery mildew: This fungal disease forms a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems, causing them to become distorted or yellowed. To prevent powdery mildew, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If you notice powdery mildew, remove affected areas of the plant and use a fungicide to keep the disease from spreading.
Root rot: This fungal disease affects the roots of the plant and can cause the leaves to wilt or turn yellow. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering and make sure the plant is potted in well-draining soil. If you notice signs of root rot, remove the plant from its pot, rinse off the roots, and repot in fresh soil.
By keeping a close eye on your Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. microcalyx P.Taylor and taking care of any pest or disease issues right away, you can help keep your plant healthy and thriving for many years to come.
