Bladderworts (Utricularia)

Bladderworts (Utricularia) are the strangest and probably the most highly developed plants in the world. Nothing about them is familiar or makes them akin to other flowering plants except their flowers and ability to photosynthesize. Bladderworts make up the largest genus of carnivorous plants and are the most widespread. At last count, there are over 200 species!

It is the bladder trap that makes Utricularia the wonder of nature. Scattered along much of the plant's underground or aquatic stems and leaves are hundreds to thousands of tiny bladder-like traps. Some species grow in soil while others float in small ponds and ditches.

For more information on growing these plants check out our Utricularia growing tips.

Terrestrial Bladderworts

Tropical Bladderworts

Aquatic Bladderworts