Description
Plant Profile
Utricularia Graminifolia, affectionately known in the hobby as UG, is a highly sought-after carpeting plant that delivers a vibrant, velvety aesthetic that regular aquarium grasses simply cannot match. This unique species is a carnivorous bladderwort, characterized by thousands of microscopic traps that capture tiny microorganisms in the water column. But don’t worry! These traps are completely microscopic, making them 100% safe for dwarf shrimp, fish fry, and all other tank inhabitants.
Tissue Culture cups ensure your aquascape gets a super clean starting point. Lab‑grown and fully sterile, it arrives without pests, snails, duckweed, or any unwanted algae. It’s the go‑to option for anyone who wants peace of mind when adding fresh greenery to a carefully maintained setup.
Key Features & Benefits
Bright green foliage creates a dense, velvety carpet across the foreground of your tank.
Microscopic carnivorous traps capture water-column microorganisms while remaining completely safe for shrimp and fry.
Care & Planting Instructions
Thoroughly wash away the nutrient gel from the roots with your fingers before parting it out into manageable portions and planting.
Separate the larger tissue culture mats into small portions and plant each piece about an inch apart, burying them halfway into the substrate.
Provide medium to high lighting and ensure it doesn’t get shaded by larger background plants, as this species absolutely demands direct light.
Inject pressurized CO2 to drastically increase its growth speed, density, and thickness, though it can technically adapt to low-tech conditions over time.
Learn tips and tricks to successfully establish this species by reading our complete guide on how to grow Utricularia Graminifolia (UG).
Master the basics by learning how to properly grow aquarium carpet plants to ensure your new layout fills in quickly.
Quick Facts
Listed information should be treated as general guidelines only. Team Buce Plant encourages you to do thorough research to ensure healthy growth!
Attribute
Specification
Scientific Name
Utricularia graminifolia
Common Name(s)
UG, Utricularia Graminifolia
Family
Lentibulariaceae
Plant Type / Taxonomy
Carnivorous Bladderwort / Carpeting Foreground
Care Difficulty
Medium to Difficult
Light Requirement
Medium to High (No direct shade)
CO2 Requirement
Recommended (Promotes fast density)
Placement / Usage
Foreground Carpet
Height / Size
1-2 inches
Growth Rate
Moderate (Fast with high light & CO2)
Water Parameters
pH 6.0 – 7.0 | Temperature 64°F – 78°F (18°C – 26°C)
Propagation Method
Separate mats into smaller clumps
Origin
Asia
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Utricularia Graminifolia (UG) safe for dwarf shrimp and fish fry?
Yes, 100%. While UG is a carnivorous bladderwort, its prey-capturing traps are microscopic and only target tiny single-celled organisms and infusoria in the water column.
2. Why is Utricularia Graminifolia considered a tricky plant to establish?
UG prefers soft, slightly acidic water with very low nutrient levels in the water column during its initial setup phase. High nutrient concentrations or fluctuating water parameters can easily cause newly planted portions to melt.
3. What is the best substrate for planting Utricularia Graminifolia tissue culture?
UG thrives best in nutrient-dense, fine-grained aquarium soil. Because its root system is delicate, using fine aquasoil or establishing it via the Dry Start Method helps anchor the carpet firmly before filling the tank.
