Living vivarium + need advice

[Lina]

Hey all! Just want to share a vivarium I made for my crested geckos.

That how it looked when done:

The problem is all plants died within month or two! I used home made which is 2 parts tree fern fiber, 1 part peat moss, 2 parts cocofiber, 1 part charcoal, and 2 parts orchid bark.
I replaced all the plats twice but the result was the same. Does it require some additional lightning or what am I doing wrong?

They love the last plant I planted.

So please any advises?

 

[acpart]

I'm not a plant expert, but I can tell you from my failures that the issues with plants center around the amount of light they need (brightness as well as direct vs. indirect lighting), the temperature they need (I think there are some plants that will not do well with a constant relatively high temp), moisture (some plants will rot with the frequent misting cresties require). I have managed to kill a number of "indestructible" sansevieria plants and do best with bromeliads (the new one you put in there) and pothos which grows wonderfully. I have also failed with pitcher plants, hardy orchids and bamboo.

Aliza

 

[Lina]

Thanks for answer! But the all bromeliad I planted died as well that was an old photo. I tried with different plant but the result was the same. Right now I have only artificial, but to try again with live plants. Just trying to find out where I failed with all last attempts.

 

[Zux]

I can also attest to the need for quality lighting. I use exclusively Arcadia Jungle Dawn units for this purpose and since the move to these plant growth and lifespan has improved a huge amount. You can check out reviews for these all over the internet if unsure.

Have a word with Tom over at lightyourreptiles.com if you wish to purchase Arcadia products within the US.

 

[Lina]

Does it generate additional heat as well? I was worrying about light cuz it's pretty warm in my apartment 25-26 C and with additional heating that will be too hot for cresties.

 

[Zux]

Does it generate additional heat as well? I was worrying about light cuz it's pretty warm in my apartment 25-26 C and with additional heating that will be too hot for cresties.

LED's and these in particular (due to their heatsink to the rear of the unit) generate very little heat. Sit this on top of the mesh of your enclosure and the temperature is unlikely to change inside at all.

 

[Lina]

Thanks! Gonna try it

 

[JessJohnson87]

Also, Bromeliad are epiphydic, which means they "root" to trees and absorb all nutrients from their roots. They do best when you mist them inside their "cups" and not water them like you would other plants. Lighting is key with vivariums, 6500K and a high PAR rating are what plants need. When doing a vivarium, researching plants you want and their care requirements helps out to, try to pick hardy species over ones that look pretty. Some do well in vivariums, while others will fail to thrive.