Native plants for rat snake vivarium
I have a 75 gallon tank that I would like to set up to look like the natural habitat of a four foot black rat snake. I want the terrarium to look like the forest floor of a bottom land forest of the southeast portion of the United States.
I would love any suggestions for plants but these are what I have thought of so far.
Partridge Berry (Mitchelaa repens) for ground cover.
Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica Hardy vine that for aditional cover growing on a small trellis. Fully realize it is not native to the southeast united states but it is certainly common in the area.
Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinguefolia) Was going for something like pothos...but not pothos.
Christmas Fern (Polystichum arostichoides) I want some ferns...preferably one native to that habitat...or at least will not look completely out of place.
I may also try Lycopodium spp. but I am not to confident I will be able to get it to grow.
Does any one think I will have trouble growing any of these plants in a vivarium or have suggestions for alternatives?
Also would like to know how much lighting they will need. They are obviously all shade plants and currently I am set up to hit the tank with around 210 wats.
Also would love any suggestions on what the make up of the soil should be.
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