Carnivorous Plants/bladderworts

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Expert: Sarracenia Northwest - 6/21/2009


Question
Can aquatic bladderwort be grown in a freshwater aquarium with fish?  What issues could there be for plant and/or fish?

Answer
Hi Brenda,

Just generally speaking for the average home aquarium, I would say no.  The water tends to be higher in nitrates acting as fertilizer.  Every time I've tried they have died.  They also need quite a bit of sun, and most aquarium lights are not that bright.  

It is possible to set-up an aquarium with bladderworts in mind.  It would require acidifing the water with peat moss, and having smaller fish that would be tolerant of the water.  You would also need a brighter light source such as might be used for marine tanks.  The best species to experiment with would be Utricularia gibba.

See you in August!

Good Growing!

Jeff Dallas
Sarracenia Northwest
http://www.cobraplant.com

Carnivorous Plants

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Expertise

If your plant is showing poor growth, discoloration, abnormal leaves or possible infestation, the growers at Sarracenia Northwest can help! Carnivorous plant experts Jeff Dallas and Jacob Farin will help you diagnose the problem and get your plants on the right track. Their no nonsense approach has helped thousands of growers all over the world. They can help you too!

Experience

With over 40 years of combined experience, Jeff and Jacob has definitely taken a straight forward approach to growing carnivorous plants. They have encountered many types of diseases, abnormal growth and infestations related to carnivorous plants, and they know what it takes to get plants looking beautiful and healthy again. Get the straight facts from the guys who grow and propagate thousands of these plants every year.

Education/Credentials
Authors of Secrets to Growing Beautiful Carnivorous Plants for Your Home and Garden and producers of the Grow Carnivorous Plants! DVD Series. They also produce a monthly video podcast to illustrate how plants cycle through the seasons.

No terrariums. No myths. No nonsense.


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