Utricularia fulva F.Muell.

Northern Australia bladderwort

Utricularia fulva is a tropical bladderwort native to Australia. The peach flowers with their red speckled palates make Utricularia fulva easy to recognize among bladderwort species. While the foliage looks like nothing more than little bits of grass and the small bladders are hidden underground, the carnivorous traps of Utricularia are some of the most complex structures of all flowering plants.

The plants can often be seen at the edge of smaller creeks in fast flowing and exposed areas. It is often present in the proximity of cascades and waterfalls.

Native to: Northern Territory, Australia.

Submitted by: Boaz Ng

GPS: -14.5034103, 132.2425690

Geographical region: Oceania
Drainage Basin
River catchment: Daly River
Water body type: Creek
Water body name: Birdie
Water body part
Water body course
Water body: tributary of: River
Tributary name: Katherine

Type locality: Unknown type material.
Conservation status/IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN)
Listed in CITES: No

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Water Chemistry

Water information

Water type: Fresh water
Water color: Clear water
Water transparency: High
Concentration of sediments: Medium
Water temperature: 18-28 °C
Water flow/curent: None

Chemical parameters

pH: 6.0-7.0
Conductivity
GH
KH
Dissolved Oxygen

Phytology

Plant form

Semi-submersed

Plant type

Stem

Plant size

2-20 cm

Plant growth rate

Moderate

Plant light demand

High

CO2

Aquarium equipment

Although it is a carnivorous plant, Utricularia fulva can be added to Australian bitope aquariums, as it will not feed on fish. Indeed, it mostly feeds on microorganisms, like zooplankton and Daphnia. Furthermore, carnivorous plants do not need much nutrients, and they cannot compete with other plants.

Utricularia fulva is notable for its showy displays of tawny-orange blooms. The species is endemic to the Northern Territory, and is typically associated with shallow sandstone creeks.

Plant care

This species can be kept on soil (peat-sand mix) wet to inundated at all times. It will need bright to partial bright lighting, even though it can also be grown outdoors, where it will need to be placed in full sun.

Water care

Utricularia fulva with thrive at temperatures 18-32°C and humidity of 50-90%, provided with water that is low in salts and minerals such as rain or distilled water.