Large-lipped Bladderwort (Utricularia macrocheilos)

Image: AI generated

Large-lipped Bladderwort Plant Care

Utricularia macrocheilos (P.Taylor) P.Taylor

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

This carnivorous plant's most distinctive feature is its small, bladder-like traps that hang from delicate, thread-like stems. Originating from the wetlands of Southeast Asia, Utricularia macrocheilos is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique method of capturing tiny aquatic organisms.

Water

Every 2–4 days

Light

Bright indirect light

Temp

50–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Large-lipped Bladderwort?

Water Large-lipped Bladderwort every 2–4 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 50–80°F (10–27°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.

Where Is the Large-lipped Bladderwort Native To?

Native range40 countries

What Is the Large-lipped Bladderwort?

Large-lipped Bladderwort (Utricularia macrocheilos) belongs to the Lentibulariaceae family within the Utricularia genus. Large-lipped Bladderwort is native to western tropical Africa.

Large-lipped Bladderwort displays a trailing or climbing vine growth habit, reaching up to tall with a spread of approximately . Large-lipped Bladderwort produces unique, small, colorful snapdragon-like flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Large-lipped Bladderwort?

Utricularia macrocheilos requires watering every 2–4 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 2–4 days

Let soil partially dry between waterings

What Light Does the Large-lipped Bladderwort Need?

Large-lipped Bladderwort thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Large-lipped 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 Large-lipped Bladderwort Prefer?

Utricularia macrocheilos grows best at temperatures of 50–80°F. Large-lipped Bladderwort prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

50–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Large-lipped Bladderwort?

Sphagnum moss or peat moss with perlite for a well-aerated, acidic mix. Good drainage is essential for Large-lipped Bladderwort to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Large-lipped Bladderwort?

Feed Large-lipped 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 Large-lipped 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 Large-lipped Bladderwort?

Large-lipped 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 Large-lipped Bladderwort Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Large-lipped 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 Large-lipped Bladderwort?

Large-lipped 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 Large-lipped Bladderwort Need?

Large-lipped Bladderwort grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. Large-lipped Bladderwort is native to western tropical Africa. In cooler regions, grow Large-lipped Bladderwort as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 11a – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Large-lipped 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.

Large-lipped 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 macrocheilos (P.Taylor) P.Taylor, family Lentibulariaceae (first published in Kew Bull. 41: 9 (1986)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Large-lipped 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: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
  • 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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