Utricularia Alpina • Rare Epiphytic Bladderwort • Flowering size Adult plant

Utricularia alpina is one of the most sought-after epiphytic bladderworts in cultivation — and for good reason. It’s a bold, slow-growing species with thick, paddle-shaped leaves and large, orchid-like blooms in soft pastel tones. When mature, U. alpina produces multiple flowers on upright stalks, creating a truly impressive display in terrariums or greenhouse conditions.

This species is native to parts of the Caribbean and northern South America, where it grows in highland forests on mossy rocks, tree bark, or among leaf litter. It thrives in high humidity, moderate temperatures, and bright, filtered light — making it ideal for experienced growers with a terrarium, cabinet, or dedicated grow space.

Utricularia alpina is an epiphyte, but like all bladderworts, it’s still carnivorous. Hidden beneath the moss or substrate are its tiny bladder traps — vacuum-powered structures that catch and digest microscopic organisms for nutrition.

This is a true collector’s item, available only in limited numbers and rarely offered in South Africa. Each plant is carefully grown out and fully acclimatised for success in local conditions.

🪴 Growing Tips & Care Info

• 🌿 Epiphytic grower – thrives on a mossy mount, bark slab, or in a loose orchid-style mix
• 🔆 Bright filtered light – avoid harsh direct sun
• 💧 High humidity required (ideal for terrariums or cabinets)
• 🪴 Pot into live sphagnum moss or mix of moss, orchid bark, and perlite
• 🚿 Keep consistently moist – never allow the roots to dry out

With the right care, this species will reward you with lush growth and eye-catching blooms. A must-have for collectors of rare carnivorous plants.

Personally grown and carefully acclimatised at Cultivo, this is a genuine collector’s specimen — and one of the very few epiphytic Utricularia species available in South Africa.

• Because Cultivo is a boutique-style store, most of our collector’s plants are one-of-a-kind “exact plant pictured” or limited seasonal releases. That means once they’re sold, they’re gone - so standard restock notifications aren’t practical here
• A few seasonal plants or variants of small-batch releases may return in the future. If that happens, we’ll update the original listing with new photos and details
• 🔔 For instant updates on new and rare arrivals, subscribe to our WhatsApp Channel and keep an eye on the New Arrivals Collection
• 📚 Want to know more about how stock works at Cultivo? Check out our business model in our FAQ Library here 👉👉 When will … be back in stock?