Photo: Sindhu HaridasCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Blue bladderwort Plant Care
Utricularia lazulina P.Taylor
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This carnivorous plant is known for its delicate, thread-like leaves that float on the water's surface. Native to South America, Utricularia lazulina attracts collectors with its stunning blue flowers and unique ability to consume prey through tiny bladder traps.
Every 3–5 days
Bright indirect light
60–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Blue bladderwort?
Water Blue bladderwort every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 60–80°F (16–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Blue bladderwort Native To?
What Is the Blue bladderwort?
Blue bladderwort (Utricularia lazulina) belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family within the Utricularia genus. Blue bladderwort is native to an area around Mangalore, India.
Blue bladderwort displays a trailing or climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Blue bladderwort produces unique, small, colorful snapdragon-like flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 1 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Blue bladderwort?
Utricularia lazulina requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Blue bladderwort Need?
Blue bladderwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Blue bladderwort in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Blue bladderwort Prefer?
Utricularia lazulina grows best at temperatures of 60–80°F. Blue bladderwort prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
60–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Blue bladderwort?
Sphagnum moss or peat moss with perlite for a well-aerated, acidic mix. Good drainage is essential for Blue bladderwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Blue bladderwort?
Feed Blue bladderwort every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Blue bladderwort?
Repot annually in spring to refresh soil and provide space for growth. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Blue bladderwort?
Blue bladderwort can be propagated through division, leaf or root cuttings, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alpine bladderwort plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Blue bladderwort Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Blue bladderwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Blue bladderwort?
Blue bladderwort is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, thrips. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Blue bladderwort Need?
Blue bladderwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Blue bladderwort is native to an area around Mangalore, India. In cooler regions, grow Blue bladderwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 11a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Blue bladderwort is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Utricularia genus — compare its care with other Utricularia species on PlantoScan.
Utricularia is part of the Lentibulariaceae plant family — browse all Lentibulariaceae genera and species.
Blue bladderwort thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Utricularia Species
Other Utricularia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Utricularia lazulina P.Taylor, family Lentibulariaceae (first published in Proc. Indian Acad. Sci., Pl. Sci. 93: 101 (1984)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Blue bladderwort, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Sindhu Haridas, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 11a – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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