Propagating Utricularia graminifolia (UG)

How to propagate the carnivorous carpet plant UG by dividing its rootless mat of stolons into clumps and replanting them in a soft-water, CO2-driven high-light tank.

Overview

Utricularia graminifolia is a small perennial carnivorous plant in the family Lentibulariaceae, native to Asia (Burma, China, India, Sri Lanka and Thailand). In nature it grows as a terrestrial or affixed subaquatic plant in wet soils and marshes and is not a true aquatic species, yet it is cultivated in planted aquaria as a bright-green carpet. It spreads as a mat of fine, grass-like leaves on creeping runners (stolons) rather than from a single root system.

Propagation Method

UG is propagated by dividing the mat. Because it grows from horizontal runners spreading across the substrate, the way to multiply or divide it is to cut these runners and lift small clumps, then replant them elsewhere. The same action is used both to thin established growth and to start new patches.

Step-by-Step

Dip your scissors into the substrate and cut the runners beneath a section of the mat.
Lift the freed clump together with its leaves and runners.
Divide it into small clumps sized for the gaps you want to fill.
Press each clump gently into the substrate so the runners stay in contact with it.
Remove any loose leaves and runner offcuts completely so little organic material is left to decompose.

Conditions for Healthy Growth

UG is demanding and takes a while to acclimatise, but once settled it grows quite rapidly. CO2 injection significantly improves both acclimatisation and propagation rates, and dosing fertilisers further improves how fast it spreads. Pair this with high light and stable, soft water for the best carpet.

Maintenance

Trim by dipping the scissors into the substrate and cutting the runners, then remove the connected leaves and runners completely so minimal organic material is left to decompose. Over time its runners will loosely adhere to coarse hardscape such as lava rock, which helps anchor and extend the carpet.

Common Challenges

Melting after transplant, especially if planted into fresh, uncycled soil.
A slow start, since the plant takes time to acclimatise before it spreads quickly.
Decaying offcuts fouling the substrate if trimmed leaves and runners are not removed completely.