Utricularia alpina (Cerro Culebra, Venezuela) • Rare epiphytic bladderwort • BCP Import

Utricularia alpina from Cerro Culebra, Venezuela is a rare location form of one of the most impressive epiphytic bladderworts in cultivation. Known for its robust growth and oversized, orchid-like flowers, this form originates from a remote mountainous region in Venezuela and is a must-have for advanced collectors.

This listing features a well-established 2cm plug of Utricularia alpina (Cerro Culebra) — variety code BCP ID#1587 from the catalogue of Best Carnivorous Plants in the Czech Republic. This particular clone was personally imported and grown out at Cultivo and is fully acclimatised to South African conditions.

Utricularia alpina produces large, thick leaves and, when mature, sends up upright stalks of striking blooms — usually in pale lavender to soft white tones, often with yellow markings. It’s a slow but steady grower and best suited for high-humidity conditions like terrariums, grow cabinets, or cool orchid rooms.

As with all bladderworts, the carnivory happens underground — this species uses tiny bladder traps to catch and digest microscopic prey, though it's grown mostly for its ornamental value.

🪴 Growing Tips & Care Info

• 🌿 Epiphytic grower – best on a mossy mount, orchid mix, or live sphagnum
• 🔆 Bright filtered light – avoid harsh direct sun
• 💧 Needs high humidity and stable temperatures (terrariums recommended)
• 🪴 Pot into live sphagnum or an airy mix of moss, bark, and perlite
• 🚿 Keep evenly moist at all times – never let it dry out completely

This is one of the most desirable epiphytic bladderworts, offering dramatic flowers and lush foliage when well grown. Expect slow but rewarding progress over time.

🌸 Flowering Info

Utricularia alpina (Cerro Culebra) flowers seasonally with large, elegant blooms. Flowering does not drain energy from the plant — and in stable conditions, mature specimens may flower more than once per year.

This plant is from variety code BCP ID#1587 and was personally imported from Best Carnivorous Plants and grown out at Cultivo. Fully acclimatised for South African conditions, and released in limited numbers.

Epiphytic bladderworts like this remain rare in local collections and are almost never available in this condition. This is a genuine collector’s item from one of the best-known sources in the world.