Flatleaf Bladderwort (Utricularia intermedia)

Flatleaf Bladderwort

Utricularia intermedia

It traps tiny aquatic prey in bladder-like sacs, a quiet carnivore of shallow waters. Aquatic carnivorous perennial; common name: Flatleaf Bladderwort.

Full sun
continuous/week
Moderate
🌱

Plant Needs

☀️
Sunlight Needs full sun to partial shade; sufficient light supports bladder function and flowering
💧
Watering Aquatic plant; requires consistent shallow standing water (5–20 cm depth)
🌡️
Temperature Tolerates cool to moderate temperatures; avoid prolonged exposure above 28°C
🔍

Characteristics

  • Leaf: Linear, flat submerged leaves with attached bladders for prey capture
  • Flower: Pale yellow, snapdragon-like blooms on upright emergent stems
  • Stem: Slender, branching submerged stems with fine rootlets
🛠️

Care Guide

Watering

Maintain consistent water level; top up as needed

Fertilization

No regular fertilization needed; carnivory provides essential nutrients. Avoid nutrient-rich water, which can outcompete the plant and disrupt its carnivorous function

Diluted aquarium water:Use only lightly filtered, low-nutrient aquarium water; dilute 1:10 to avoid nutrient overload that harms the plant
Pruning
  • Trim yellowing submerged foliage to maintain water clarity and reduce organic buildup
  • Cut back spent flower stems after blooming to redirect energy to foliage growth
  • Thin overcrowded submerged growth to improve light penetration and water circulation
⚠️

Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats

Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse health effects

📖

Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Carnivorous ornamental for bog gardens or small shallow ponds