I need vivarium plants

[aajk13]

I have built a vivarium and now i need some plants too put in it. i have some plants in it and some of them are doing ok but some are dying on me, so i need some hardy plants that dont need a lot of root space because they will be growing in a wall and they have to cover a lot of space because its looking pretty bare right now. Also for some reason i cant grow moss very well in it, any suggestions for good plants?

[Alex95]

You could grow bromeliads and cattleya orchids. Cattleya orchids grow on bare root and they don't need soil. Here is a picture link of some. Hope this helps




-Alex

[Alex95]

You could grow bromeliads and cattleya orchids. Cattleya orchids grow on bare root and they don't need soil. Here is a picture link* of some. Hope this helps




-Alex


*Here is the link http://www.theorchidexpert.com/orchid%20nursery.jpg

[aajk13]

ok, thanks. Any idea where i could get some of these?

[Chu'Wuti]

Tillandsia (a type of bromeliad) are also a possibility:

Tillandsia - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tillandsia International Bromeliad Air Plants

What type of viv do you have? Desert/arid, tropical/humid . . . ? The type of plant really depends upon the environment you're providing. The catts (Cattleyas) will need higher humidity, and they need a lot of space. They also need a fair amount of light (20,000 to 30,000 Lux) with a maximum temperature of 75 deg F (they can take up to 85 for very short periods, but not daily)--the best temps during the summer are 65-76 deg:

AOS | Cattleya Culture for the Beginner

If your viv is small or your fauna need a lot of warmth, don't try catts; however, there are other orchids that stay small and would thrive in those conditions. Also, Tillies (Tillandsia) come in small and large sizes and both arid- and humidity-loving species.

With more details about your viv--size, orientation, the animals you're including, the amount of light you can provide (that works with the animals), the temps, the humidity--we can help you better.

[aajk13]

ok heres a pic of it ,my vivarium - My Photo Gallery
it is kind of a woodland rain forest and it is semi aquatic. the temp is usally around 20-19 degrees celcius and the humidity is about 80% without misting. it is a farly big viv, but i dont have any animals in it right now. And for lights i just have a 15 watt repti glow bulb and a 20 watt flouresent bulb, i dont know if this is enough light for it.

[Chu'Wuti]

Like this one?

Exo Terra Repti-Glo 10.0 - 15 Watt -18"

A bulb associated with desert environments and thus with a very high UV-output. Desert locations receive more direct sunlight than any other because of fewer clouds, less air humidity and no plants or trees to provide shade. Desert animals are more exposed to UV than other reptiles.

- 33% UVA
- 10% UVB
- Desert Terrarium Lamp
- For reptiles with very high UV requirements
- Makes desert animals thrive
- Desert reptiles have a higher UV requirement than species from more humid environments
- UVA (33%)stimulates appetite, activity and reproductive behavior
- UVB (10%) promotes Vitamin D3 synthesis
- Recommended in combination with Repti~Glo 2.0

That's not really appropriate for plants, and the fluorescent bulb may not be either--it depends on the type of fluorescent you have. You need bulbs that produce the colors plants need along with the amount of light they need; the latter depends upon what you put into the tank.

BTW, if you don't have animals in it, it isn't a vivarium--it's a terrarium. I just went and looked at the pic you posted--it's quite lovely.

With the temps you're maintaining, you want temperate zone plants. Cattleyas need >21 to 27 deg. C, so don't get catts. Phalaenopsis might do well. Info sources: Orchid Care - Phalaenopsis
Phalenopsis Orchid Care

Do a little research on lighting so you understand Lux or other terms. Good luck! It looks as if you're having fun fixing up your tank!

[aajk13]

ok, so what kind of lights should i have for a tank like mine?

[Chu'Wuti]

Lighting really depends upon your plants. The following links offer info that can help you decide:

G6515 Lighting Indoor Plants | University of Missouri Extension

GARDENING : Lighting : Artificial Lights for Indoor Gardening : DIY Network

Comfortable Indoor Gardening With Energy Efficient Plant Grow Lights - ProgressiveGardening.org

[Chu'Wuti]

Also this info might be important to you:

Terrarium Lighting - Growing under Lights Forum - GardenWeb