terrariums

Brian Whyer brian.whyer@btinternet.com
Mon, 28 Dec 2009 02:32:45 PST
What has not been mentioned (I think) is lighting levels and max or min
temperatures you may be able or want to provide. There is a big difference
is what fish and plants need in general. Shade loving plants are much easier
to accommodate.
I grew selaginella without supplementary lighting, in a very large
laboratory desiccator for some years until it hit the roof, so to speak, and
have had Pinguicula (moranensis?) with Utricularia alpina in an old fish
tank for close to 20 years, potted not planted out, with no more lighting
than a 20 watt compact fluorescent, but the lamp is just inches from the
plants and not really quite enough. The latter was used for 15 years as a
"security" light in a house that was unoccupied much of the time, when I
worked away from home. The theory being if I was to have a light going on
and off with a time switch it might as well have plants under it. I haven't
had the heart to break it up yet after such good service The Pinguiculas are
~8" across and the Utricularia flowers for much of the year, but the tank
does not look to pretty after all this time. Just rain water every few
weeks.

Brian Whyer, Buckinghamshire, England, zone ~8


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