Source: Wikimedia Commons
Utricularia Graminifolia
IntermediateUtricularia graminifolia
A bladderwort also popular as aquatic plant, forming green carpet for aquarium foreground.
Overview
Utricularia graminifolia is a terrestrial to semi-aquatic bladderwort native to moist grasslands, paddy margins, and stream banks from India across Southeast Asia. It has become widely popular in the aquarium hobby as a foreground carpet plant, where its dense, fine grass-like leaves create a vivid green carpet in planted aquariums. As an aquatic plant, it requires CO2 supplementation, bright lighting, and soft, slightly acidic water to thrive underwater. Its microscopic suction traps capture protozoans and other microorganisms both in soil and in the water column. Small violet flowers are produced on emergent scapes. It is unique among carnivorous plants in having established itself as a mainstream aquarium plant.
Lifespan of the Utricularia Graminifolia
The Utricularia Graminifolia lives 5+ years.
Size of the Utricularia Graminifolia
The Utricularia Graminifolia grows to 2-5cm.
Temperature & humidity for the Utricularia Graminifolia
The ideal temperature for the Utricularia Graminifolia is 22〜26℃.
Terrestrial cultivation uses consistently moist sphagnum or peat-perlite media with tray watering, bright direct light, and warm temperatures of 20–30°C.
Basic Info
Origin
India to Southeast Asia, moist grasslands, rice paddy margins, and stream banks
Lifespan
5+ years
Size
2-5cm
Temperature
22〜26℃
Humidity
60〜90%
Watering & Fertilizer
Micro insects
Growing Tips
Temperature & Overwintering
Grows at 22-26°C. It is cold sensitive, so keep temperatures stable indoors or in a terrarium.
Watering
Grown emersed, tray-water to keep it constantly moist with pure or rain water. Grown submerged, it needs soft water.
Soil & Repotting
Use moist pure sphagnum or peat moss with perlite. Its grassy 2-5 cm leaves spread out, so a shallow, wide container suits it.
Light & Placement
Likes bright direct light. Grown as an aquarium plant it needs CO2 injection and strong lighting; without enough light it will not carpet.
Propagation
It spreads by runners. Divide at repotting and simply set the pieces shallowly on moist medium or substrate to establish.
Utricularia Graminifolia FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Utricularia Graminifolia?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QWhat is the ideal temperature for Utricularia Graminifolia?
The ideal temperature for Utricularia Graminifolia is 22〜26℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
QWhat is the lifespan of Utricularia Graminifolia?
The average lifespan of Utricularia Graminifolia is 5+ years. With proper cultivation environment and nutrient management, you can keep it healthy for a long time.
QHow large does Utricularia Graminifolia get?
The mature size of Utricularia Graminifolia is 2-5cm. This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Utricularia Graminifolia?
Utricularia Graminifolia: watering & fertilizer — Micro insects. Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Utricularia Graminifolia?
The price of Utricularia Graminifolia varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Utricularia graminifolia Vahl
Synonyms: Utricularia purpurascens J.Graham, Utricularia caerulea var. graminifolia (Vahl) P.K.Bhattach., Utricularia equiseticaulis Blatt. & McCann, Utricularia pedicellata Wight, Utricularia conferta Wight, Utricularia acuta Benj., Utricularia subrecta Lace, Utricularia uliginoides Wight, Utricularia parviflora Buch.-Ham. ex Sm.
Authority databases: GBIF · POWO · ICPS cultivar registration (International Carnivorous Plant Society)
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
This genus is not listed in CITES Appendices (among carnivorous plants, only Nepenthes/Sarracenia/Dionaea are subject to CITES).
Sources: CITES Appendices (carnivorous plants) - ICPS/Barry Rice / CITES & Carnivorous Plant Checklist (RBG Kew)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
Related Articles
How to Grow Utricularia: Cultivation Methods by Aquatic and Terrestrial Types
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