Genus guide
Utricularia — 28 species
Part of the Carnivorous plants family (Nepenthaceae, Droseraceae & Sarraceniaceae)
Utricularia, the bladderworts, are the world's most species-rich carnivorous genus, with aquatic, terrestrial, and epiphytic forms ranging from the delicate fairy aprons to the submerged lesser bladderwort. All species trap tiny invertebrates in microscopic underwater or soil bladders — no soil nutrients are needed. Terrestrial types like the pubescent bladderwort grow in nutrient-poor, consistently wet media such as peat-sand, in full to bright light for six or more hours daily; aquatic species float freely in still water. Toxicity information varies by species; check each individual species before keeping Utricularia in a home with cats or dogs.
All Utricularia species we cover
- Beaugleholes Bladderwort
- Bladderwort
- Endres's Bladderwort
- fairy aprons
- grass-leaved bladderwort
- Hairy Bladderwort
- Humboldt's Bladderwort
- Humped Bladderwort
- Inflated Bladderwort
- kidney-leaved bladderwort
- lesser bladderwort
- Long-Stalked Bladderwort
- pubescent bladderwort
- Purple Bladderwort
- Quelch's Bladderwort
- Single-Flowered Bladderwort
- Three-Coloured Bladderwort
- Tricolor Bladderwort
- Utricularia alpina
- Utricularia bisquamata
- Utricularia calycifida
- Utricularia livida
- Utricularia longifolia
- Utricularia nelumbifolia
- Utricularia sandersonii
- Utricularia subulata
- Virgin Bladderwort
- Yellow Bladderwort
Utricularia — frequently asked questions
Are Utricularia plants toxic to cats and dogs?
Most Utricularia are not pet-safe. Of the 28 Utricularia species in the Growli library, 19 (68%) carry a toxic or mildly-toxic ASPCA classification and 9 are pet-safe. Always confirm the exact species on its pet-safety page before trusting it around cats or dogs.
How much light do Utricularia plants need?
Most Utricularia do best in bright indirect light. If yours stretches toward the window or loses its variegation it wants more light; scorched or bleached leaves mean it is getting too much direct sun.
Are Utricularia easy to care for?
Utricularia are moderate to grow: the main requirement is a genuinely bright spot out of harsh midday sun. Get the light right and the rest of their care follows.
How many Utricularia varieties are there?
Growli's care library covers 28 Utricularia species and varieties — browse them all above. They share a similar light, water and soil pattern, so once you learn one Utricularia, the rest follow closely.
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