air plants

sixpack_ey · #1 (**permalink**) 11-19-2007, 05:06 PM

I have a 180 gal paludarium and I'm wanting to add a bunch of air plants to it. I have found a website with a very good price, but when I was reading the care tips it said they needed to be in a well ventilated area. My paludarium is almost completely completely covered with a glass lid. I see lots of people with these plants in their terrariums though, so will someone who has them give me some input. I want to mount them on tree fern background. Are they hard to care for? Also, I'm not sure what kind of light I need. I know some people get CF's at home depot. What should I look for and how many watts do I need (I have ferns, moss, and bromeliads). I already have a 65 watt coralife strip light over it. And, how does everyone keep thier terrariums so moist? I mist mine daily. The glass is condensating but the dirt and wood is always so dry. Thanks for the help!

rsfrid · #2 (**permalink**) 11-21-2007, 06:57 PM

I have several types and I must say a terrarium would be death to most of them. While they can take the hunidity, they seem to prefer a dunking in water followed by a week of dry weather. Mine are springing out with pups and I think my culture is working. Terrariums might be a no-no.

sixpack_ey · #3 (**permalink**) 11-21-2007, 08:41 PM

Thanks a lot! I must say I am dissapointed. Can someone reccommend plants (such as ferns, ect) that can be grown epiphytically?

rsfrid · #4 (**permalink**) 11-21-2007, 09:57 PM

Many folks grow Jewell Orchids under these conditions (myself included). Good source that I can recommend is Jewel Orchids : Littlefrog Farm, Jump into Orchids!! Little Frog Farms is a sponsor and Rob is a great guy to deal with. Try him.

Rainfrog · #5 (**permalink**) 11-22-2007, 04:49 AM

Black Jungle has an ok selection

Dryn · #6 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 03:39 PM

I have some air plants in a new vivarium, mounted on a grapevine and in front of my fan, I wonder if they'll live that way?

rsfrid · #7 (**permalink**) 02-14-2008, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dryn

I have some air plants in a new vivarium, mounted on a grapevine and in front of my fan, I wonder if they'll live that way?

Yes. They grow on trees in Florida in constant breezes so why not?

acpart · #8 (**permalink**) 02-17-2008, 11:32 AM

I mounted a variety of air ferns in my vivarium (day gecko) a few years ago. It is usually at about 80% humidity. Only one survived. I can't tell you what kind it is, but the ones with the thin, almost hairlike leaves did not make it. This one has thicker, aloe type leaves (it's not an aloe) and continues to thrive; it even bloomed once.

Aliza