Water Wheel Plant

I do not own the Water Wheel plant, but I may get some when I get a few aquariums with a stable environment.  It doesn't look like an interesting plant, but it is carnivorous nonetheless.  There is a great article about how to cultivate this plant in a 1999 issue of the ICPS newsletter, but I forgot which volume. 

Aldrovanda vesiculosa is a perennial plant  that floats just below the water surface. It is rootless when mature, but has a leaves that can be up to eight inches long (20 cm) with whorls of appendages (usually 6-9 appendages)  every few centimeters.  What is very unique is the plant is that is grow longer only from one end.   Once mature, it will start self-pruning the old growth from one end as it adds another one.  Sometimes the plant parts that are cast off become new plants.  If the water level gets too low, the plant goes dormant, dies back to a growth bud, and will wait on the dry soil water once again returns.  

Flowers are borne above the water surface, usually a dull green/white.  The waterwheel fruit sets and matures under water.  The plant will flower when actively growing.  

The traps are very similar to the Venus Fly Traps, and are located at the end of the appendages.  There are two halves very much like mouth with trigger hairs inside.  when the hairs are touched, the trap closes quickly, and the trap slowly closes.  

Last update 07/30/01

Since 2/22/2000