Is anyone growing U. inflata?

[lil hokie]

And if so could you post a picture or explain how to grow it. I would really like one (one day). I am trying to find information on them and not really having that much luck. Thanks in advance!

 

[Cthulhu138]

I have some, they're pretty easy to grow. All you need is something that holds in the neighborhood of 30 - 50 gallons of water and some peat. You could make a nice container pond with some Utrics, Aldrovanda, water lilies and/or lotuses or other aquatic plants. The container or pond should have a layer of peat on the bottom at least a few inches deep. Fill it up with water and let the peat all settle to the bottom, this usually takes about a week. After that, just skim off the last stubborn bits of peat from the surface and put your plants in. Make sure the container stays in full sun and you should get plenty of floating flowers.

Here's a pic of one of mine getting ready to flower. I guess I forgot to take more pics of it while it was flowering.......next year.
<a href="http://s1109.photobucket.com/albums/h434/Nepenthes138/Utricularia/?action=view&current=5-13-12023.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/h434/Nepenthes138/Utricularia/5-13-12023.jpg" border="0" alt="Utricularia inflata"></a>

 

[lil hokie]

Ah thanks for the info Johnny! And the picture. I think I will have to wait before I snag one.

 

[Cthulhu138]

Well, let me know. I can send you some turions if you like. You can keep them in the fridge until spring. They're in the same container as U.macrohiza and U. gibba so, it's kind of inevitable that you'll get some of these as well. It's impossible to tell them apart when they're in the turion phase of their growth.

 

[lil hokie]

Alrighty! I need to figure out what would be the best container I suppose.

 

[Wire Man]

One of those pre-made pond liners does well.

 

[lil hokie]

Thanks! I will look into it. I have a lot to do before I can add these to my collection I suppose. I really need to finish this greenhouse kit and possibly set up another area to grow the plants besides the deck..

 

[Cthulhu138]

I agree with Graham. Either a pre-fab pond liner or even an undrained half barrel planter would be your best bet. Although, the planter may over heat to the extreme in NC unless it's sunk into the ground.

 

[lil hokie]

Hm good to know. Well that would be one of the long term goals then!