Description
Plant Profile
Utricularia Graminifolia, affectionately known in the hobby as UG, is a highly sought-after aquatic carpeting plant that delivers a vibrant, velvety aesthetic that regular aquarium grasses simply cannot match. Unlike traditional options like Monte Carlo or Dwarf Baby Tears, 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
Forms an ultra-dense, velvety foreground lawn with bright green, grass-like foliage.
Unique microscopic carnivorous traps capture water-column microorganisms while remaining 100% safe for shrimp and fry.
Functions as a distinct alternative to standard carpeting plants for high-tech setups and Wabi Kusa layouts.
Care & Planting Instructions
Thoroughly wash away the nutrient gel from the roots with your fingers before parting it out into manageable portions and planting.
Use a dry start method or Wabi Kusa setup to give its delicate root system plenty of time to firmly anchor into the substrate before you flood the tank.
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 demands direct light.
Inject pressurized CO2 to drastically increase its growth speed, density, and thickness.
Learn tips and tricks by reading our complete guide on how to grow Utricularia Graminifolia (UG).
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. How do I plant Utricularia Graminifolia (UG) tissue culture?
Rinse away the gel, separate the mat into small coin-sized plugs, and use fine pinsettes to press each portion halfway into nutrient-dense, fine aquasoil spaced 1 inch apart.
2. 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. Baby shrimp, fry, and snails are completely unaffected.
3. Why is newly planted Utricularia Graminifolia floating up or melting?
Because its roots are delicate, current or livestock can dislodge unanchored plugs. Utilizing the Dry Start Method for 4–6 weeks or keeping initial water column nutrients low will securely root the carpet and prevent tissue melt before flooding.
