Utricularia graminifolia is a popular aquarium plant because of its ground-covering properties, but it is not easy to care for. The carnivorous plant owes its name “grass-like bladderwort” to its ability to form a ground-covering green lawn in the aquarium. Care tips.
How do I care for Utricularia graminifolia in the aquarium?
Utricularia graminifolia care requires soft, lime-free water, sufficient CO2 and nutrient supply, and a bright location without direct sunlight. The carnivorous plant does not require feeding, is not hardy and should be cut carefully.
Does Utricularia graminifolia need to be fed?
Feeding the water hose is not necessary. The plant supplies itself with microorganisms via the small bubbles on the leaves. There is no danger for fish and fish fry.
Does Utricularia graminifolia tolerate hard water?
All carnivores cannot tolerate lime. When furnishing the aquarium, make sure that you only add stones and other materials that do not release limescale.
Does Utricularia graminifolia need to be fertilized?
Like all aquatic plants, Utricularia graminifolia also needs a sufficient supply of Co2. The amount and frequency of fertilization depend on the hardness of the water. If necessary, you should have the water quality checked.
Fertilization with macro and micronutrients may be appropriate from time to time.
How to cut water hose?
If you want Utricularia graminifolia to form a dense lawn on the aquarium floor, you should cut the plants when they have grown longer than three centimeters.
You must be careful when cutting, as even small movements will rip the plant out of the ground.
Use special scissors for aquarium plants (€12.00 on Amazon) that are as sharp as possible. Utricularia graminifolia is very sensitive and cannot tolerate strong pressure.
What diseases can occur?
If Utricularia grows in soft water and receives enough nutrients, diseases almost never occur.
If the plant is stunted, it may be due to a lack of nutrients, mainly Co2.
If the stems are lying flat on the ground, the location is usually not bright enough. But the water hose doesn't like strong light.
How to overwinter grassy bladderwort?
In the aquarium, it naturally doesn't matter what time of year it is.
Utricularia graminifolia is native to Asia and grows there in locations where there is no frost. The plant is not hardy and must therefore not be exposed to sub-zero temperatures.
Tip
Utricularia graminifolia can also be grown as a swamp water plant in the garden pond. The plant then develops light purple flowers. Since bladderwort is not hardy, it must be cultivated in the aquarium in the fall.
