Plant ideas for Pygmy enclosure

[Scout]

Hey guys I'm going to be setting up my Pygmy terrarium. I just need some more input on my future plants. Thus far I'm planning on doing a 20 gallon set up so my height is a bit more limited, I was going to try to find a dwarf schefflera umberlla, Boston fern, baby tears, and a pothos. Any one have any other small ground dwelling plants that won't grow totally crazy? Also can I add any type of orchards?

 

[Brassaxe]

You can find shorter schefflera plants around. Pothos are always good. For lower plants you can also get Grape Ivy, Swedish Ivy, Bridal Veil, Fittonia (Nerve Plant), Velvet Plant, and a few others.

Schefflera and Pothos always work though and you could probably get away with just those two.

 

[Scout]

Thank you very much for your response I'll look into those plants you suggested today! Any other smaller plants like baby tears?

 

[Brassaxe]

You could also get a spotted croton and trim it down to fit the tank.

But really small.. (or Can be kept really small)

Chickweed, Maidenhair Fern, Echeveria, Pilea


FLchams also has a list of safe plants.

 

[Scout]

Thanks again your the best!

 

[Scout]

Are these avialable at Home Depot or lowes?

 

[Brassaxe]

Some are normally. Usuaaly the Ivy's/Ferns, Schefflera, Pothos, Echeveria, Bridal Veil and Velvet plants.

Baby tears, Fittonia, Chickweed and Pilea are more often found at nurseries.

 

[Scout]

Thanks again! Also, if I ask one of the nice ladies in the garden section to find me these plants. Are they going to look at me like I'm crazy? Because I'm terrible with plants.

 

[Brassaxe]

They should know all of those but Schefflera Arboricola is usually called a Dwarf Umbrella Tree.

 

[Scout]

Thanks for all the helpful tips man. Your the man.

 

[Masked Gecko]

Spathiphyllum, Syngonium, and Pilea are some others I've used along with some ferns.

 

[ChameleonUES]

Babytears

You can add Babytears plant. Its a small ground dwelling moss looking plant, that grows pretty fast in humid areas with ample lighting.

I got mine from amazon, get a few and plant them. it will cover your 'ground' in no time.

 

[Scout]

Thank you guys, I was browsing the local Home Depot nursery and I found a few cool looking plants that I thought might work.

Here is the name on the price tag... Sword fern.. Vinca minor... Vigoro fern asprgs myers... Any input?

Also I will be planning on putting all the suggested plants in this thread into the tank, any tips on lighting, watering, placement, for the following, dwarf umbrella plant, pothos, Swedish ivy, maidenhair fern, spotted croton, pilea, baby tears, and also I want to try heavenly bamboo.

Tips, comments, suggestions, all welcome!
Thanks in advance!

 

[Brassaxe]

Sword ferns and Asparagus ferns are fine but the Vinca Minor is toxic.

In my tank I have a Pothos, Dwarf Umbrella, two Crotons, a Nerve plant, Provision tree, and an Ann Marie Ivy. (I have yet to determine the safety of having the Ann Marie, but my chameleon never messes with it or goes near it so not too worried just yet.)

They all do just fine in the same environment. Misting totals 14-20 minutes a day and lighting is heavy.

You can see how good the Pothos is at being a monstrous plant. One leaf alone is bigger than my Carpet cham at the top of the cage.

 

[Scout]

That is an awesome set up, do you think a t5 in a 20 gallon is sufficient lighting?

 

[Brassaxe]

That is an awesome set up, do you think a t5 in a 20 gallon is sufficient lighting?

For the plants? Sure. But you'll might need a bit more heat for the chameleon. One of those dual fixtures so you can have a uvb CFL on one side and a mini halogen on the other. Don't put any tall plants under the heat though.

That tank in the picture is 75 gallons with a 30 or so gallon equivalent screen top. There are two 90w "heat lamps", two 25w UVB bulbs, and three 4w UVA bulbs. (You don't need UVA at all). The light is a bit low at the bottom of the tank so the plants get stalky, but in a small tank that shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Masked Gecko]

That is an awesome set up, do you think a t5 in a 20 gallon is sufficient lighting?

A T5 will be great for the plants and sufficient enough for a pygmy enclosure since you don't want to over heat your set up for them. Good luck

 

[Scout]

A T5 will be great for the plants and sufficient enough for a pygmy enclosure since you don't want to over heat your set up for them. Good luck

That's what I was hoping for! Thanks for your input.

 

[Brassaxe]

Definitely check your temps and be careful with heat in a small tank if you do need higher temps.

 

[Scout]

Definitely check your temps and be careful with heat in a small tank if you do need higher temps.

I live in Southern California, tempatures don't fluctuate too much. My house is a constant 70-74. 60-70 at night.