Bladderwort, Utricularia | Carnivorous oxygen plant for ponds
Bladderwort, also called Utricularia, is a floating, carnivorous oxygen plant for the pond. The aquatic plant catches flies with small vesicles found on the leaves of the plant. Want to know more about this pond plant and curious about which other pond plants are a good alternative to bladderworts? Then read on quickly.
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All about bladderwort
- What kind of aquatic plant is bladderwort?
- What is the function of bladderwort?
- How should bladderwort be planted?
- Which aquatic plant is a better alternative to bladderwort?
What kind of aquatic plant is bladderwort?
Bladderwort is an interesting aquatic plant known for its carnivorous properties. This plant belongs to the frogweed family and grows in still or slow-flowing water, such as ponds, lakes and canals. Bladderwort has tiny vesicles on its leaves, which are submerged in water. These bladders are used to catch small aquatic animals, such as water fleas, mosquito larvae and small crustaceans. The bladders are covered with tiny hairs that act as sensors, and when prey passes by, the bladder is opened and the prey is sucked in. Enzymes in the plant are then used to digest the prey.
What is the function of bladderwort?
Bladderwort produces oxygen and releases it to the water in the pond for the purpose of improving water quality in the pond. The oxygen produced by oxygen plants is essential for pond life. Fish, frogs, snails and other aquatic animals need oxygen to survive, and the oxygen produced by oxygen plants helps to improve water quality and reduce algae growth. The floating plant also captures insects that have entered the water, thereby improving water quality and water values.
How should bladderwort be planted?
Bladderwort is a floating oxygen plant, so you don't need to plant bladderwort in the pond because the plant floats on the surface of the water. Bladderwort can grow in both sun and partial shade and needs moist soil to thrive. It is a hardy pond plant that can survive the winter and returns each spring with new leaves and flowers.
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Which aquatic plant is a better alternative to bladderwort?
Bladderwort can spread quickly and overgrow other plants in the pond. If not managed properly, it can make the pond unattractive and stunt the growth of other plants. It can also be toxic to pond fish, the enzymes used to digest the prey can be harmful to fish health if they accidentally eat bladderwort, the enzymes used to digest the prey can be harmful to fish health if they accidentally eat bladderwort. Bladderwort can also impede water circulation if the plants grow too close together, which is why it is important to prune aquatic plants regularly. For these reasons, many pond owners find it more attractive to choose other aquatic plants that have the same functions such as; Crab crab (Stratiotes Aloides) or Trumpet cup plants (Sarracenias).. These plants are no matter what type of pond you have a good choice!
Frequently asked questions about bladderwort
Bladderwort is known to proliferate, growing between up to 2 meters in length.
Bladderwort depends on catching insects that have entered the pond water; this is what the plant feeds on.

Simon van der Velde
Pond specialist and aquatic plant grower since 1986
Simon's vision is to let nature do its work in your pond. No need to buy all kinds of measuring equipment and water improvers. If the fish are swimming nicely and the plants are growing well, then the water in the pond is of good quality. With a good planting plan and the right approach, you can save a lot of money and maintenance, and ensure a clear, biologically balanced pond that becomes more beautiful every year.