Utricularia graminifolia (UG for short) is a truly unique and striking carpeting plant that belongs to a surprising family—bladderworts, which are carnivorous! Despite its wild lineage, UG is a delicate, grassy-looking carpet that creates a soft, lush meadow effect in aquascapes.
🌿 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Utricularia graminifolia
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Common Name: UG, Utricularia
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Origin: Southeast Asia
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Family: Lentibulariaceae (carnivorous plant family)
🪴 Appearance
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Color: Bright to lime green
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Leaves: Thin, soft, grass-like blades
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Height: ~2–5 cm (1–2 inches)
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Growth habit: Creeping carpet via runners
💡 Care Requirements
| Condition | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Medium to high |
| CO₂ | Strongly recommended for healthy growth |
| Substrate | Fine-grain, nutrient-rich; inert okay with dosing |
| Temperature | 20–28°C (68–82°F) |
| pH | 5.0–6.5 (prefers acidic conditions) |
| Hardness | Soft water preferred |
🌱 Growth & Propagation
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Growth rate: Moderate to fast (with ideal conditions)
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Propagation: Spreads through runners
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Trimming: Occasional trimming keeps it dense and prevents floating mats
⚠️ Tips & Notes
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UG can be finicky: it often melts or detaches if lighting/CO₂ isn't stable.
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Works best with a dry start method (DSM) to allow roots to anchor before flooding.
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While carnivorous, the traps are microscopic and harmless to fish/shrimp.
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Sensitive to algae—keep flow and maintenance on point.
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Avoid disturbing it once established—it doesn’t like being uprooted.
