Bladderwort

Description

Bladderwort is a submersed free-floating plant. There are approximately 200 species in the world, ranging in size from a few inches to several feet long. Tiny bladders attached to the leaves trap and digest very tiny animals.

All bladderwort species are rootless. They have main stems from which lacy, often complex leaves grow. Bladderwort flowers are usually bright yellow (sometimes lavender, depending on species); the flowers have two 'lip-like' petals of about equal size. Flowers are on long stalks that emerge several inches above the water. The carnivorous bladders are attached at regular intervals along the linear leaf segments.

Mechanical Control

Bladderwort can be removed by cutting and raking from the pond. It will regrow from remaining roots.

Chemical Control

There are a couple options to control Bladderwort. If you are not sure what treatment is right for your pond? Click here to view our product selection guide or choose from some of our most popular chemicals:

  1. Use a season long herbicide such as Airmax WipeOut or Sonar A.S.. One treatment treats the entire body of water for Bladderwort and many other common pond weeds for the season.
  2. Use a broad spectrum contact herbicide, such as Ultra PondWeed Defense, will quickly kill Bladderwort. Because it does not stay in the water body, multiple treatments may be needed throughout the season.

Chemical Application Best Practices

Anytime you use chemicals treat weeds and algae, please keep in mind the following:

  • Treat your pond in sections. Treat only half the pond's surface at a time. During hot weather or when treating heavy growth, it is important to treat no more than 1/4 of your pond at a time and wait the full 14 days before re-applying. This helps lower the risk of fish loss during hot weather or when treating heavy growth.
  • Once the weeds have browned & died, use a weed cutter & rake to  remove as much dead material as possible. This prevents an accumulation of dead plant material and muck.
  • Take a proactive approach to pond management. Use PondClear, MuckAway and Pond Dye to keep your pond looking great. For more information, see our article on the Airmax Ecosystem.

Ask an Expert

If you are unable to identify your pond weed(s) using our Weed ID Guide, follow this article to email us a photo.