Utricularia graminifolia is a carnivorous plant. Unlike other varieties, the so-called bladderwort is a carnivore that is primarily kept in aquariums. Here it serves as a green ground cover. How does Utricularia graminifolia plant?
How do I plant Utricularia graminifolia correctly?
To plant Utricularia graminifolia, first divide the plant into small pieces, place them on the aquarium sand, cover a maximum of half of them with substrate and secure them with stones. Make sure there is enough planting distance and an environment that is not too bright.
Utricularia graminifolia – water hose as a green aquarium carpet
At first glance, Utricularia graminifolia looks like a small green clump where the roots are not visible. This variety of bladderwort forms rhizomes with which it anchors itself in the ground. Over time it grows into a green, grass-like carpet.
Planting Utricularia graminifolia
- Rinse well
- divide into small pieces
- stick in aquarium substrate
- Planting distance 1 – 5 cm
- weigh down with substrate or stones
- Don't squeeze plants
To plant, carefully pull the plant apart to create small clumps. Place them on the aquarium sand and cover them up to half with substrate. Tweezers (€12.00 on Amazon) are ideal for planting the delicate water hose species. Otherwise the tender, green shoots will be pressed too hard.
Without covering or anchoring with appropriate means, Utricularia graminifolia floats on the surface. In very busy aquariums, you can also weigh down the shoots with a small stone until the plant has grown.
Utricularia graminifolia likes it a little darker
In aquariums with strong light, you should only plant this type of water hose if you want complete coverage of the bottom. If the brightness is too bright, the plant will crawl close to the substrate.
If Utricularia graminifolia grows in a darker part of the tank, upright shoots are formed that are up to five centimeters high.
Propagate Utricularia graminifolia
Under favorable conditions, bladderwort begins to grow quite quickly. This means it is no problem to propagate the plant.
To obtain new specimens that you want to plant elsewhere or to replace older plants, simply pull the water hose out of the aquarium sand.
Carefully divide the plants with your fingers and simply dig them back in.
Tip
Water hose forms small leaves on which tiny bubbles grow. This is used to catch the smallest reading creatures from the water. But the bubbles are so small that there is no danger to young fish.
