Cork tube positioned in tank
Cork tube filled and planted
EPIPHYTES IN THE VIVARIUM
| Epiphytes
in the Vivarium
Pictures and text by Ken Uy |
|
Cork tube positioned in tank
|
Some epiphytes come from evenly moist environments
such as moss covered branches in cloud forests, or they may grow in locations
such humus filled pockets or among the roots of larger epiphytes such as
staghorn ferns which are able to collect debris using specialized leaves.
Unless you are able to mist the tank several times a day, it may be easier
to grow these moisture lovers directly on the floor substrate of the vivarium,
much like terrestrial plants. However, one way to maintain the "hanging
garden" look is to plant these in hollow cork bark tubes that have been
filled with a light but moisture retentive medium such as an orchid planting
mix. The tubes can then be arranged like fallen branches, or elevated with
brackets attached to the wall of the vivarium. All that is required
is to block the ends of the tube with moss or coconut fiber or even plastic
window screen, then fill the tube with the planting mix and slip in the
root balls of the plants. Think of it as planting a window box. Additional
epiphytes that can withstand or require more dryness can be attached to
the outside of the tube, directly on the bark, thus completing the illusion
of an epiphyte laden branch from the rainforest.
EPIPHYTES IN THE VIVARIUM |
