
Bladderwort
Utricularia australis
Bladderwort is a fascinating free-floating aquatic carnivorous plant that captures tiny aquatic organisms using bladder-like traps, making it ideal for wildlife ponds and water features. It requires clean, nutrient-poor, slightly acidic water and full to partial sunlight to thrive — avoid adding fertilizers to the water. Best suited for outdoor ponds in temperate climates, where it overwinters as dormant buds that sink to the pond bottom.
Care Level
High
Sun
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate
Growth Rate
Moderate
Mature Height
24″ – 60″
Soil
loam
Life Cycle
Perennial
Spacing
24″
Watering Schedule
Constantly Submerged Or In Saturated Substrate • Maintain In Standing Water Or A Pond Environment; Plant Must Remain Submerged Or Floating At All Times
Soil pH
5.5 – 6.5
Temperature
0° – 90°F
Mature Spread
up to 36″
Root Depth
Medium
Foliage
Medium
Propagation: Seed, Cutting
Native to
Attracts
Sources
Data: trefle, usda
Image: trefle.io — Taken Jun 30, 2022 by Magalie Bau (cc-by-sa)
No nurseries currently have this species in stock.