Utricularia hirtella "white flower"

This plant was previously sold as 'Utricularia amethystina "pink flower"', as it was sold to me, but after observing it flower for the first time, it appears to be Utricularia hirtella, and it has a white flower. Plants may or may not be flowering at the time of purchase. You will receive a 1" plug of this plant. Calyx with papillae and/or trichomes at least near the margin; leaves mostly absent, or obovate, reniform, to almost circular, from the taxonomic key for Utricularia sect. Foliosa from Baleeiro, P.C., Gonella, P.M., Sano, P.T. & Jobson, R.W. (2022) Unveiling Utricularia amethystina’s true colours: a taxonomic revision of one of the largest species complexes (U. sect. Foliosa, Lentibulariaceae).

Native across much of tropical and subtropical America, with documented populations in Florida (USA), Mexico and Central America, the Antilles, and widespread records through northern and central South America. Though, records in all areas except South America as of late have failed to show and specimen in those areas. It is a terrestrial perennial of wet sands, shallow soils and seepage zones in seasonally moist grasslands, savannas and open wetlands (often in very shallow or periodically inundated substrate). It is highly polymorphic but typically recognized by small narrow leaves and variable flowers ranging purple–to–lilac, white, cream or yellow, frequently with a contrasting pale or yellow-marked palate. This form is a more pink flower.

Care for this carnivorous plant is simple. I recommend using a mix of 3:1 peat to perlite, using the tray method to keep the substrate constantly wet with water under 50 PPM TDS. I use a 14 hour photo period at about 250 PPFD, but you can use a natural photo period or anywhere from 10-16 hours. I rarely fertilize, but when I do I normally spray the leaves with 500PPM MaxSea fertilizer.

Please note this plant will ship bare root via USPS Priority Mail. Heat packs are not automatically included. I offer a 72 and 96 hour heat pack as additions. Please make sure to add one of these options before completing your purchase to be eligible for live arrival guarantee if your day time temperatures are below 50°F.

Any photos of plants are representative of what a mature plant/leaves/flower, etc. may look like for reference only. Pictures of seeds are to show the size of seeds from this species. Any photos of seeds are representative of what you will receive and they are not exact seeds you will receive.