Utricularia bisquamata

Taxonomy

Utricularia bisquamata, also known as the tiny-leaved insectivorous plant, is a small annual carnivorous plant belonging to the genus Utricularia. Native to southern Africa, including Angola, Lesotho, Madagascar, Namibia, and South Africa, this plant thrives in damp, sandy or peaty soils near streams or wet depressions. It can be found at altitudes ranging from near sea level to 1,200 m (3,937 ft) in South Africa and up to 2,250 m (7,382 ft) in Angola. First described by Franz Paula von Schrank in 1824, Utricularia bisquamata has bladder-like traps on its roots, which allow it to capture minute prey in waterlogged soil. It is highly sought after for its vibrant yellow and purple flowers that bloom on wiry flowerstalks measuring 15cm tall. Unlike the species, this cultivar does not self-seed. As a houseplant, Utricularia bisquamata requires regular watering and thrives in long-lasting, direct light, preferably within 1 foot of a window. It prefers soil with good moisture retention and does not typically require additional fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

How to care for Utricularia bisquamata

Water

Utricularia bisquamata should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

If you're planting Utricularia bisquamata, you need to make sure you use a potting soil that can retain moisture. While the soil should still be able to drain well, it should contain plenty of organic matter like coco coir or sphagnum moss to help it stay moist and nourish the roots of your plants. This is especially important since Utricularia bisquamata is especially sensitive to dry soil. You can also add other amendments, such as compost, to help retain moisture and provide extra nutrients to your plants. Be sure to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy, throughout the growing season. With the right soil and proper care, your Utricularia bisquamata will thrive!

Lighting

Utricularia bisquamata requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Utricularia bisquamata is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

Fertilizer

Once the Utricularia bisquamata has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.


More info:
Wikipedia