Utricularia calycifida is a medium-sized terrestrial perennial. U. calycifida is endemic to northern South America and can be found in Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Utricularia calycifida is a popular species due to its large leaves and variations in flower color and size. It used to be quite rare but by now a few location clones and several cultivars have been established. Many cultivars' names are based upon characters in the novels and short stories of H. P. Lovecraft.