Woodland plant

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I'm working on a temperate woodland viv for my marcianus but I'm unsure what plants would be suitable.I'll have a 10%uv tube in there so the plant will get plenty of light. I'm looking for a plant that doesn't require lots of water and is strong enough to support an adult garter.Any suggestions?

[jarich]

First of all, love the avatar picture.

In answer to your question, Pothos is always a great starting point. There are a few different looks/varieties and all are very hardy and grow well in just about any condition. Soon they will be taking over the enclosure and youll have to trim it back. Aside from that Bromeliads are sturdy and fairly easy to keep alive, and they do not grow super fast so they work well in many enclosures. Beyond that it really depends on what size enclosure you are talking and what you like best.

[DragonsEye]

Originally Posted by -MARWOLAETH-

I'm working on a temperate woodland viv for my marcianus but I'm unsure what plants would be suitable.I'll have a 10%uv tube in there so the plant will get plenty of light. I'm looking for a plant that doesn't require lots of water and is strong enough to support an adult garter.Any suggestions?

First, do you care just how well the plants do? In a viv, many plants will not live or grow to their full potential because meeting their needs and that of an animal is not the easiest of things to do. For example, Wayne has reintroduced grass several times to his monitor enclosure. In such a "small" (compared to the great outdoors) space, his monitors pretty much beat the crap out of the plants. But the grass is easily replaceable and is cheap (he gets it from his property) so it is not a concern. Also he is more concerned with the monitors' health than he is that of the plants in the enclosure (perfectly understandable). And while I do realize, a garter will likely be far far less ... destructive ... there is still the question of how much do you care about the plants' welfare? That can possibly affect what plants are recommended.

Where you plan on getting your plants? Outside? In which case, where you live can also make a difference. The plants one finds outside in Michigan, for instance, have some different needs than those found in Florida. One of the most significant of which is a winter dormancy. Most plants found in the northern part of the country require a cold winter dormancy to maintain plant vigor/health.

While you mentioned your viv being "temperate woodland", how "real" do you want the viv to be? If just "kind of having that look" is good enough, you again have more options than if your heart is dead set on accuracy.

I don't know that you can simply assume that because you will have a "10%uv tube in there" that the plant will get plenty of light. At what kind of lumens and Kelvin temperature will the bulb be operating?

Not trying to be a royal pain in the dupa, just trying to get a better idea of where you are coming from.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I'm working on a rock wall for the viv and wanted something that will grow up the wall.(I have plenty of ivy in the garden so it'll be great if they are suitable).I'll also be growing grasses on a window sill and cut clumps off,then replace them when they die.I have the ground cover sorted but am looking for something she can climb on like a small species of tree or bush.

[DragonsEye]

I'd advise you to nix the ivy idea. In both my own experience and that of folks I have spoken to over the years, ivy -- when grown indoors -- is a major spidermite magnet.

Are you okay with plants that are not actually temperate woodland species but can possible give you somewhat the look you are hoping for?

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I don't mind as long as they won't require loads of watering and will do ok in 40-60% humidity.Also I've been wondering how I could stop the snake digging around the plant and up rooting it? (a garter would probably enjoy doing this as they're nosy little buggers)