Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess.
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. is a species of carnivorous plant that belongs to the bladderwort family (Lentibulariaceae). This plant is also known by its common name, the "Welwitsch's bladderwort". It was first described by botanist Daniel Oliver in the late 19th century.
Origin
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. is native to Angola and Namibia, where it grows in moist sandy soils near freshwater sources such as rivers and streams. It can also be found in other African countries such as Botswana, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Appearance
The Welwitsch's bladderwort is a small, annual plant that grows up to 6 cm tall. It has a slender, erect stem that bears many thread-like leaves. The leaves are green and divided into two segments, with each segment further divided into small, narrow lobes. The plant produces bright yellow flowers that are about 1 cm wide and have two lips. The lower lip is three-lobed while the upper lip is two-lobed. The flowers bloom in summer and are held above the leaves on short stalks.
Uses
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. is a carnivorous plant that feeds on small aquatic invertebrates such as water fleas and mosquito larvae. It uses small, bladder-like traps to capture its prey. The plant is not commonly used in traditional medicine or for other purposes.
Growth conditions of Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess.
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. is a carnivorous plant, commonly referred to as the tiny bladderwort. The plant is native to southern and eastern Africa and requires specific growth conditions to thrive.
Light Requirements
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. requires bright, direct sunlight to grow. The plant cannot thrive in areas with low light, and it is advisable to grow it indoors near a well-lit window. If grown outside, it is crucial to provide shade during the hottest times of the day to prevent wilting.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) during the day and cool temperatures between 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C) at night. The plant cannot withstand temperatures below 41°F (5°C), and exposure to frost will kill it.
Soil Requirements
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. requires a specific type of soil for optimal growth. The plant needs a nutrient-poor and acidic soil that is rich in peat moss or sphagnum moss. The pH level of the soil should be between 4.5 and 5.5. The plant can also grow in well-draining soils with a mixture of sand and peat.
It is important to keep the soil moist at all times but not saturated. The soil should not be allowed to dry out, and it is recommended to water the plant regularly. It is advisable to use distilled or rainwater to prevent the accumulation of minerals that may be harmful to the plant.
By providing the appropriate growth conditions, Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. can thrive and produce vibrant, colorful flowers.
Cultivation of Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess.
Cultivating Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. One of the essential aspects of growing the plant is maintaining the right conditions, which include high humidity, warm temperatures, and a nutrient-rich growing medium.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or divided clumps. Seed propagation requires a consistent temperature of 20 to 30°C, high humidity, and sterile growing conditions. Division of clumps should be done during the growing season and be sure to include some well-developed stems, leaves, and roots.
Watering Needs of Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess.
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. requires plenty of water to grow, but it is essential to ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. The plant should be watered when the top layer of the growing medium feels dry, and it should be done using a watering can or spray bottle, allowing the water to seep in slowly. Rainwater or distilled water is ideal as the plants are sensitive to dissolved salts.
Fertilization of Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess.
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. has a relatively low nutrient requirement, but it still requires fertilization. The ideal fertilizer should be low in phosphorus but high in nitrogen and potassium. Fertilizing should be done during the growing season, and it is essential not to over-fertilize as it can lead to root burn and decreased plant growth.
Pruning of Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess.
Pruning is not necessary for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess., but it is essential to remove any dead or wilted plant material promptly. Dead plant material can attract pests and diseases, and it can hinder plant growth. If the plant becomes overgrown or too large for its container, it can be divided into smaller sections and re-potted.
Propagation of Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess.
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. is a difficult plant to propagate, and all its reproduction methods are a bit challenging, particularly for amateur growers. However, experienced horticulturists can propagate Utricularia welwitschii through the following methods:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the most common and effective method for reproducing Utricularia welwitschii. This method is particularly useful for large-scale propagation, and the seeds can also be stored for some time before planting. When planting the seeds, it's essential to provide proper light and moisture conditions for germination.
Lab Tissue Culture and Micropropagation
Another method for propagating Utricularia welwitschii is through lab tissue culture and micropropagation. This method is particularly useful when dealing with rare or endangered species, or when rapid propagation is required. In this method, small pieces of plant tissues (called explants) are placed in a sterile nutrient medium and allowed to grow under controlled conditions. The produced plantlets are then transferred to soil.
Vegetative Propagation
Utricularia welwitschii can also be propagated vegetatively through the division of rhizomes or stem cuttings. However, this method is relatively difficult and rarely used. Propagation through stem cuttings requires that the cuttings be taken from healthy, mature plants and placed in sterilized soil or growing medium with very high humidity. The cuttings should then be kept under controlled conditions until roots and new shoots form.
Disease and Pest Management for Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess.
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess., commonly known as the Welwitsch's bladderwort, is a tiny carnivorous plant that grows in wet soils and is native to Angola, Namibia, and Zambia. Like any plant, it is susceptible to various diseases and pests that can cause mild to severe damage if not managed properly. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. is generally not affected by many diseases. However, the following diseases may affect the plant:
Pythium root rot
Pythium root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of plants, causing them to rot and decay. The symptoms of this disease include wilted leaves, yellowing or browning of leaves, and stunted growth. The best way to manage this disease is to prevent its occurrence by avoiding overwatering, improving drainage and soil quality, and using sterilized soil and containers.
Botrytis blight
Botrytis blight is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of plants, causing them to rot and turn brown or black. The symptoms of this disease include fuzzy gray or brown spots on the affected parts of the plant. The best way to manage this disease is to avoid overhead watering, improve ventilation, and remove infected plant parts promptly.
Pests
Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. is not commonly affected by pests. However, the following pests may attack the plant:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from plant tissues, causing wilting, yellowing, and distortion of leaves. The best way to manage aphids is to remove them manually or by using a blast of water, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Spider mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on plant tissues by puncturing plant cells with their mouthparts, causing yellowing, stippling, and webbing of leaves. The best way to manage spider mites is to improve humidity, remove infected plant parts, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale insects
Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that attach themselves to plant parts and suck sap, causing wilting, yellowing, and stunted growth. The best way to manage scale insects is to remove them manually or by using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
By managing diseases and pests, you can help your Utricularia welwitschii Oliv. var. pusilla Suess. plant thrive and maintain its carnivorous nature.
