Nepenthes suitable for this terrarium

[cjloong]

Hi all
Just planning for a 4ft terrarium(scaping). I am currently collecting and planning for this terrarium. Looks like this now



It eventually will become a nice scape, a terrarium made to look like nature instead of one that is made to collect plants.

Thinking of replacing the fern with a center piece pitcher plant. Side to fill up with amps and probably utrics/live spagnum moss.

My ideas are still very early now. I am still collecting plants for this purpose.

Just want to open up for suggestion for nice terrarium suitable plants. I know amps are very suitable because of its eventual compact carpeting growth. Any other plants that behaves this way?

BTW. The aquarium is 4ft L X 2 ft H. It is only 1.5ft deep.

[NepNut]

One question, how much light are you giving for this terrarium?? IMHO, this is one of the important factor to decide which neps will do well in the terrarium in the long run.

[cjloong]

Lots. Really lots of lights... ;-)

Ok. The plan,
1) 55W X 4 at least, 12hrs.
2) If not enough, add 2 more.
3) If still not enough, 150W MH X 2 for 4 hrs. Don't wanna do this as MH light is hot.

My guess, (1) should be enough.

[cjloong]

BTW. A picture of the whole setup now.

[NepNut]

Wow... in that case maybe too much light for N. ampullaria.... but droseras, utrics and LSM should love it.

Other L/L neps that you can probably try is N. gracilis and N. distallatoria, I suggested these because it can tolerate direct sunlight and will produce basals carpet like N. ampullaria. N. ampullaria can still grow in high light level but the coloration of the pitcher might get bleached out unless you grow those green amps.

[cjloong]

Originally Posted by NepNut

Wow... in that case maybe too much light for N. ampullaria.... but droseras, utrics and LSM should love it.

Other L/L neps that you can probably try is N. gracilis and N. distallatoria, I suggested these because it can tolerate direct sunlight and will produce basals carpet like N. ampullaria. N. ampullaria can still grow in high light level but the coloration of the pitcher might get bleached out unless you grow those green amps.

Thanks for the advice. Guess I can easily reduce the light. But it is hard to spread the light if I reduce. 1 4ft casing comes with 2X55W. I guess an alternative is using old bulbs, with lower intensity. Meaning, I don't have to change as often as well. Will adjust during the growing period.

Will look up gracilis and distallatoria pictures. Thanks for the advice.

What about the main larger plant to replace the fern/weed. I was thinking about Veitchii, which is one of my favourite plant. Something that is compact growing. Something that don't grow too tall. Something showy, as it will be the main attraction.

[NepNut]

The thing about most veitchii is they need high humidity but like their roots on the dry side. You can try to grow the veitchii epiphytically by sticking it on a piece of drifwood (like orchid) and it should do well in a terrarium.

Most nep will eventually vine, just a matter of time, so keep your pruning scissor handy...

[hongrui]

i'd would recommend n. amp, n. distillatoria, n. adnata & n. bellii. these are some of the smaller growing species. For N. amp, you'd have to trim every once in a while for sure but N. bellii i'm not sure if it'd do well in a terrarium. N. sp. 'viking' or the thai tigers should do well too.

[Boris]

I've got also a lowland terrarium. You'll notice how big amps will get in a relativ short time. I had to take them out of my 1m x 1m x 1m terrarium because they were too big. Bellii and adnata is for sure a good choice. Campanulata is ideal. Also northiana and sumatrana because of there slow grow habit aren't bad.

[cjloong]

Well, I've made progress, it is considered 80% complete. The picture I manage to take is during 50% complete, ie. I've cleaned the terrarium, arranged the driftwood, arranged the plants (planted some).

Remaining pictures, which hopefully I'll take these few days will be the current state. Shown picture below is taken on 7/Feb.

Anyways, here it is.