Plants, drainage layers, & successful plant growth?

[JlaPinska]

I repotted every single one of my chams live plants. I put a layer of eggrock gravel on the bottom, filled with organic pesticide/fertilizer free soil, and have larger eggrocks covering the top. I hand mist twice a day, i do not water the plants directly. I have a 6500k grow bulb mounted to the ceiling above the cage. So why do i keep getting root rot in my umbrellas?! (2x2x4' repti)

Please share your success.. i would like to know exactly how you planted them, what materials did you use and how you layered it. And if you are using a special grow bulb/ what kind. I need real experience not just suggestions. Please please.. thanks so much!

 

[MissLissa]

I have several vivariums, and root rot is always a concern.

I'd take a look at your soil choice. It's probably full of composted organic material which means it will be very slow-draining. Slow draining soil is great for outdoor flower pots, but very bad for vivariums/terrariums. Try a 2:2:1 mix of shredded cypress or orchid bark mulch, coir (cocconut fibre), and sphagnum moss. I'd combine this 3 parts mix to 1 part of your organic soil. You can also add a tablespoon of charcoal per gallon of soil to help with smell in your vivarium/terrarium. I've used this mix extremely successfully for 4+ years.

Also make sure you have 1.5-3" of drainage in the bottom of your pots. A layer that is too thin is virtually no use at all A fine mesh screen or layer of synthetic polyfill placed between the drainage layer and the soil is extremely useful- if small bits of the soil end up mixed with the drainage layer, they act like a wick to continuously draw water up to the plants, which is BAD in this case. The mesh layer helps prevent that. I get polyfill at my local hardware store for about $5, and it's enough for many many many pots.