Utricularia graminifolia — often called UG carpet plant — is a unique, carnivorous foreground carpeting aquarium plant known for its fine, grass-like texture and stunning visual appeal. Belonging to the bladderwort family, this Utricularia graminifolia aquarium plant spreads across the substrate to create a dense, bright green mat in high-tech aquascapes. Though considered a bit challenging, UG is a rewarding choice for experienced hobbyists who love vibrant scapes and rare species. Available in Tissue Culture and Emersed forms, this passport covers everything from how to plant Utricularia graminifolia to care tips, CO₂ needs, and light preferences — perfect for those searching to buy Utricularia graminifolia online in India.
1. Basic Information
- Trade Name: UG, UG Carpet
- Scientific Name: Utricularia graminifolia
- Common Names: UG Plant, Grass-leaf Bladderwort, Aquarium Bladderwort
2. Botanical Profile of Utricularia graminifolia
- Family: Lentibulariaceae
- Genus: Utricularia
- Species: graminifolia
- Etymology:
- Utricularia = Latin for “small bladder,” referring to the plant’s carnivorous traps
- Graminifolia = “grass-like leaves”
- Endemic Region / Origin: Southeast Asia (India, China, Laos, Vietnam)
- Natural Habitat: Wet meadows, shallow river margins, and nutrient-poor substrates
- Growth Habit: Creeping carpet with fine leaves and hidden micro-traps
- Leaf Description: Bright green, slender grass-like leaves, 1–3 cm long
3. Aquarium Suitability of UG Carpet Plant
- Ideal Placement in Aquascape: Foreground
- Compatible Aquascaping Styles:
- Iwagumi (as dense green base)
- Nature Aquarium (contrasting against hardscape)
- High-tech Dutch or Competition Tanks
- Growth Speed: Moderate under ideal conditions
- CO₂ Requirement: High; cannot form carpets without CO₂
- Lighting Needs: High (minimum 60+ PAR at substrate)
- Nutrient Requirements: Requires low-nutrient substrate but stable macros and micros
- Temperature Range: 22°C – 28°C
- pH Range: 5.5 – 7.0
- GH/KH Preference: GH 2–6, KH 0–2 (soft water preferred)
- Substrate Requirement: Inert or aquasoil; avoid rich organic substrates that can promote algae
4. How to Plant Utricularia graminifolia
For Tissue Culture Format (Tissue culture UG plant):
- Rinse thoroughly to remove gel
- Split into 10–15 small tufts
- Use tweezers to plant shallowly with minimal burial
- Ideal for DSM (Dry Start Method) — allows better root anchoring
For Emersed Format (UG carpet plant cup India):
- Remove all rockwool and rinse gently
- Trim any melted leaves
- Plant in evenly spaced plugs ~1–2 cm apart
- Mist daily if doing dry start; otherwise, CO₂ injection must be immediate in submerged setup
5. Utricularia graminifolia Care Guide
Maintenance Tips:
- Maintain consistent CO₂ levels (~30 ppm)
- Avoid high ammonia spikes during cycling — UG is sensitive
- Trim lightly to prevent floating mats
Trimming Frequency:
Every 2–4 weeks to encourage horizontal spreading
Common Issues & Prevention:
- Melting or browning: Often from unstable parameters or low CO₂
- Algae outbreaks: UG competes poorly against algae; maintain cleanliness and avoid nutrient overload
- Uplifting: Shallow roots need firm planting and stable substrate
Utricularia graminifolia Light Requirements:
- Strong, even lighting needed (8–10 hours/day)
- Avoid intense direct light without matching CO₂ and ferts
Is Utricularia graminifolia Difficult to Grow?
✅ Yes, for beginners — requires high light, soft water, and consistent CO₂.
✅ Rewarding for experienced aquascapers using dry start or high-tech methods.
How Long Before Visible Growth?:
5–7 days after dry start or ~10–14 days in high-tech submerged setups
6. Compatibility & Use of UG in Aquascapes
- Safe for Shrimp? ✅ Yes (no active traps large enough to harm livestock)
- Can be Used in Emersed Setups? ✅ Yes (especially for DSM and paludariums)
- Can Be Grown in Terrariums/Paludariums? ✅ Yes (as a high-humidity groundcover)
- Ideal for: Intermediate to advanced aquascapers
- Plant Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
- Best With Other Plants:
- Glossostigma elatinoides
- Micranthemum Monte Carlo
- Eleocharis acicularis
- Best With Fish/Shrimp:
- Crystal shrimp
- Neon tetras
- Rasboras
7. Utricularia graminifolia as a Carnivorous Aquarium Plant
- Carnivory: UG produces microscopic bladder traps to capture protozoa and microorganisms
- Function in Aquarium: Traps rarely function in submerged tanks but still form naturally
- Impact on Livestock: Completely safe; traps are too small to affect shrimp or fish
8. Quick Aquascaping Notes & Growth Tips
- Ideal foreground carpeting aquarium plant for artistic layouts
- Best results with DSM (Dry Start Method) for first 4–6 weeks
- Works well in open tanks and competition scapes
- Seek UG carpet without CO₂ only with DSM; not reliable submerged
- One of the most photogenic fast-growing carpet plants in high-tech systems
9. Quality & Trust Emphasis (Aqua Matsya Signature Section)
What Makes This an Aqua Matsya Choice:
- Lab-grown in sterile tissue culture for algae- and pest-free delivery
- Hardened under high-light and CO₂-rich conditions in Indian tap water
- Ideal for aquascapers seeking rare, high-impact carpeting species
Hobbyist Trust Indicators:
💚 Carnivorous but shrimp-safe
💧 Grows dense carpets with dry start or CO₂
🌿 Loved by aquascaping artists across the world