Utricularia livida
Ease to Grow: Easy
Dormancy: No
Native Range: Tropical and Subtropical S. Africa, Mexico
Zones: 6-11 (5-12)
Utricularia livida, the Livida Bladderwort, is a perennial, terrestrial bladderwort with lots of pale violet and white flowers. It prefers sandy peat that is constantly moist. It has subterranean stolons that form numerous small leaves (<1/2"), that cover the soil surface. The tiny bladder traps form in the soil, and catch small critters, like nematodes. The flower stalks are tall and hold as many as 6+ flowers with lower lips shaped like aprons. In low light the flowers are white. It flowers throughout the year, but rarely produces seed. It can survive a light frost. It can be grown as a foreground plant in a tropical aquarium, where it forms fine carpets, similar to U. graminifolia. It is a vigorous grower, and a great beginner's plant.
Height: 1/2+"
Plant Type: Perennial, tropical
Soil: General CP Soil Mix
Light: Bright to partial bright indoors, full sun outdoors
Use: Grows well outdoors, and on the window sill and greenhouse. Great terrarium and aquarium plant.
