Authored by Jeremy Kosonic
Bio-Active Terrarium Plant List | Bromeliads
Definitions
Before going into suitable plants, here are some terms that will be useful;
Courtesy of Flora’s Forum
Aerophyte: A plant that grows on another plant (an epiphyte), but it takes its water and nutrients from the air and rain. Aerophytes are not parasitic. Examples: (Tillandsia spp.)
Bryophyte: Mosses, Hornworts & Liverworts
Chasmophyte: Plants that grow in the cracks of rocks where soil & organic matter accumulates. Examples: (Crithmum maritimum)
Epiphyte: Plants that grow on other plants or on non living objects. Examples: (Neoregelia spp.), (Pleurothallis spp.), many mosses, etc.
Hemiepiphyte: (Primary Hemiepiphyte) Plants that start their lives strictly as epiphytes. Eventually they send their roots into the soil.
(Secondary Hemiepiphyte) Plants that start their lives in the soil. Eventually they grow up other plants, taking on an epiphytic lifestyle.
Examples: Many (Philodendron spp.), Strangler Fig (Ficus aurea, Ficus watkinsiana, etc.), many (Monstera spp.)
Hydrophyte: Plants that grow in or around water. Examples: (Nymphaea spp.), (Lemna minor), some (Utricularia spp.), (Myosurus spp.), (Cabomba spp.), etc.
Lithophyte: Plants growing on the surface of rocks. Examples: (Paphiopedilum spp.), (Platycerium spp.), mosses, algae, etc.
Rheophyte: Plants that grow in fast flowing streams, usually where most plants are unlikely to survive.
Mounted: This just means that the plants are planted above and out of the soil. Whether it’s on rocks, wood/branches, or the background.
Pups: These are offsets taken off of the main parent plants of mostly stoloniferous species. Usually rootless. Best left on the parent plants until they are 1/3-1/2 full grown.
Biotopic/ Biotope: An enclosure designed to mimic a specific habitat. All plants/animals must come from the same area if it’s to be considered a biotope. i.e. An enclosure designed for (Ameerega trivittata “Huallaga”) that mimics the Huallaga Valley in Peru, or an enclosure that mimics South-West Madagascar for (Chalarodon madagascariensis.)
Plants
Now that we’ve got those definitions, let’s talk about plants. What plants you use will depend on many factors; such as the area the animal is from, whether it’s being planted in the soil or mounted, and the amount of water and light available. Much like the bioactive article, this is meant as a guide, and not a “one stop shop” for plants.
Always do lots of research before starting your enclosures.
Bromeliads
Coming from many different habitats, Bromeliads (often referred to as “Broms” for short by some hobbyists) are an almost strictly New World group of plants with the exception of the African (Pitcairnia feliciana). Some are strictly epiphytes (Neoregelia spp.), while some can be found growing on trees as well as in soil (Many Vreisea spp.). The more popular bromeliads are as follows:
_5.jpg "Bromeliad sp")
:These truly terrestrial bromeliads are endemic to Brazil, and live on the ground (though some may grow as a (chasmophyte), it’s not as common). They prefer relatively well draining soil, high humidity and bright lights in terraria. The brighter the lights, the more colour that will show in the plants. The most common species available in the hobby are (C. acaulis, C. bivittatus, C. beukeri, C. fosterianus, C. marginatus, and C. zonatus), as well as cultivars and hybrids between these species.
:This genus of bromeliads is by far the best for vivaria. With 100+ species and thousands of cultivars, Neos (short for Neoregelia) have something for everyone. Ranging from small species/cultivars such as ‘Alley Oop’, ‘Wee Willy’ (yes, some of them have hilarious names), ‘Chiquita Linda’, ampullacea ‘bert’, to some of the bigger cultivars like ‘Bobby Dazzler’ and ‘Avalon’; there are Neos suitable for any tank size. Some of the more common species/cultivars include: ‘Fireball’, ‘Chiquita Linda’ (A personal favourite), ‘Wee Willy’, (N. lilliputiana, N. rubrifolia, N. ampullacea), ‘Hannibal Lector’, and ‘Mo Peppa Please’; as well as many others. Neoregelia need very intense lighting to hold their colour in vivariums, and do best when mounted higher up in the tank. Being epiphytic, (Neoregelia spp.) should not be planted in the soil, but should instead be mounted, with their roots exposed (see below on mounting epiphytes).
:The stereotypic “Airplant” often sold as a novelty—usually hot glued to shells and magnets— is an extremely large genus of bromeliads found as far north as the southern US, down to Argentina. Unfortunately, most of the species are not suitable for vivaria. In the wild they are found in areas with lots of airflow and light, and have the ability to dry out relatively quickly. Generally, the plants with thinner leaves, and lacking the gray “fur” (called trichomes) tend to do better in tropical enclosures. Though for some species such as Caribbean Anolis, or other subtropical lizards, a wider variety of species may survive. Lately, I have seen people using Tillandsia in desert enclosures…The species most commonly available are NOT true desert species. Grasses would be far more suitable for desert vivaria than Tillandsia. Being epiphytic, Tillandsia spp. should be mounted, and will rot relatively quickly if placed in soil.
:Another large genus of bromeliads, some Vriesea can reach monstrous sizes (I have seen many a couple of feet across), and only a few species are small enough, or suitable for vivariums. Species such as V. erythrodactylon ‘mini’ , V. guttata, V. ospinae and V. vagans are suitable for vivs as long as they are mounted and given air movement.