Q: Growing Genlisea

• G. violacea
• G. hispidula
• G. pygmaea
• Genlisea bouquet

A: The terrestrial members of this genus respond to the same cultural treatments that terrestrial Utricularia enjoy. Simply stated, keep these far from frosts, in bright but filtered sun, and in wet acidic soil. Fertilization is not necessary, and might instead be harmful. Most are quite responsive to propagation by leaf cuttings. If leaf cuttings do not work (as is sadly the case for many clones of G. violacea), try trap cuttings. Genlisea hispidula propagates readily from seeds, and it can be weedy. Some species, especially Africans that live on inselbergs, may be annuals. Whether they persist in continuously moist cultivation as perennials is as yet unknown.

I have not grown fully submerged aquatic species from this genus. I expect that some of the most challenging species might be the aquatics from cool climates, like South American tepui-top species. If some of the African inselberg species are annuals, it may be difficult to maintain vigorous plants in the long term, because inbreeding depression may set in.

Page citations: D'Amato, P. 1998, 2013; Rice, B.A. 2006a; personal observations.