Growing plants on panels attached to the walls of a vivarium is probably the best method if space is limited. The vertical walls of the tank are not wasted, and the center part remains relatively open so that the tank doesn't look overcrowded. Tree fern root and coconut fiber panels are the easiest to use, since all that would be needed is to glue them to the walls, then pin the plants’ root balls onto them using plastic covered wire bent into a U. .
In the series of pictures on the left, a potential planting site is chosen on a slab of cork bark. The depression in the bark will make a good pocket for the root ball of the plant (a bromeliad) that will be attached to it.
Four holes are drilled, two on either side of the planting site. Wire is looped through the holes, with the ends emerging from the same side of the bark so that they can be twisted together.
The plant's roots are wrapped with live green moss, then the root ball is positioned in the planting site. The ends of the wire are twisted together firmly to hold the plant in place, and the ends may be clipped off if they look too conspicuous.
After all the plants are arranged, the panel can be hung on the wall of the terrarium, perhaps by a hook glued to the wall. Moisten the panels regularly, and the plants will quickly root themselves into the material.
Back of cork slab
Ends of wires (front
view)
Slab with attached
plant
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