Reviving a Declining Utricularia nelumbifolia: Drainage, Shade & Basket Culture

Guy's U. nelumbifolia (epiphytic bladderwort) declined in plugged pot with sphagnum slurry, then unplugged but still fading. Flowers regularly. Grown in highland greenhouse, full sun.

Fixes

• Drainage: Epiphytes need free drainage—unplugging was right.
• Light: Move to bright indirect/partial shade (SNW got best growth in Nepenthes house).
• Expect scraggly habit: Long runners, aphid-prone, never looks "perfect."
• Try sphagnum moss basket: Airy, allows multidirectional growth.

Medium (70/30 peat/perlite) is fine; environment is key.