Utricularia australis
Utricularia australis · Lentibulariaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant utricularia australis: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Lentibulariaceae
- Type
- Aquatic carnivorous plant
- Flowering
- Spring to autumn (yellow flowers)
- Adult size
- Up to 50 cm long
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Moderate (temperate to tropical climate)
- Origin
- Australia and tropical regions
Care
Light and temperature
Utricularia australis thrives in bright light and benefits from at least 6 hours of daily light. It prefers temperatures between 15 and 25°C, although it tolerates variations. In an aquarium, a specialized LED lamp will promote its growth and flowering.
Water quality
Fully immerse this plant in soft or slightly acidic water that is low in minerals. Change 30 to 50% of the water each week to maintain optimal conditions. Stagnant or nutrient-rich water slows its development.
Substrate and setup
Utricularia australis floats freely or roots lightly in fine substrate (sand, moist peat). It doesn't really need soil but appreciates a slightly anchored environment to stabilize itself in an aquarium.
Nutrition
No fertilizer is generally needed if the plant receives sufficient light and feeds on microorganisms. Minimal liquid micronutrient supplementation can be beneficial in an oligotrophic aquarium, diluted according to instructions.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch off the oldest or densest tips to encourage a bushy shape. Regularly remove dead leaves or those covered in algae to maintain proper water circulation and prevent anaerobic pockets.
Problems and prevention
Algae buildup is the main issue in inadequate light. Aquatic scale insects and aphids are rare but possible. Clean water and good circulation limit these risks; isolate affected plants if problems occur.
Did you know?
Utricularia australis is an aquatic carnivorous plant that captures its prey (tiny crustaceans and larvae) using microscopic vesicles equipped with an ultra-fast trap mechanism, active in just a few milliseconds. These sophisticated traps work even in acidic, nutrient-poor waters, which has fascinated botanists since Darwin.
Where to buy it
Best planted in spring or autumn, away from frost and heatwaves. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September, October.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Common butterwortPinguicula vulgaris
- BladderwortUtricularia vulgaris
- Utricularia intermediaUtricularia intermedia
- Pale butterwortPinguicula lusitanica
- Utricularia gibbaUtricularia gibba
- Horned bladderwortUtricularia cornuta
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.