Utricularia sandersonii flowers.

Utricularia are found in boggy areas worldwide. Representatives of the genus can be found from tundra and alpine locations to seasonal lakes in deserts to hot steamy swamps. Currently there are 221 named species.

Most of the species commonly found in cultivation are warm temperate and tropical species. Some of these species are annuals that die after flowering. Terrestrial Utricularia make excellent additions to any terrarium or bright window sill. They are generally grown for their flowers although you should consider growing some in a small glass so you can observe the traps.

Terrestrial Utricularia usually aren't very picky about soil. In the wild, species can be found in pure sand, peaty sand, laterite soils, and guk. Water levels are usually near or even a little above the soil surface. In captivity, they grow well in pure sphagnum moss as well as the standard 1:1 peat:sand "CP mix". Like other carnivorous plants, they do require pure water and can be killed by fertilizer in the soil.

Sow seeds of Utricularia on the surface of your medium of choice. The warm temperate and tropical species don't require stratification. The medium should be wet to very wet. What you do next depends on what works best for you. Everyone has their own preferred routine. I put pots with seeds in plastic zip-lock bags with water a few cm deep. The bags should go under florescent lights but be careful not to have them too close or you could cook the seedlings. After the seeds germinate, I remove the pots from the plastic bags and put the pot in a terrarium. The seedlings may be a little slow growing at first. Have patience. Please see Sowing Seeds Step-by-Step for more details on starting seeds.

Utricularia can easily be propagated from stem cuttings. When your plants bloom, especially if you have annuals, save the seeds to grow more. If you have lots of seed, send the extra in to the seed bank.