Reptile Forum, Reptile Classifieds - CaptiveBred

Jase · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 1:21 pm Post subject: Flora with Fauna?

I want a naturalistic setup for my potential cresties and wondered what plants are best for a crested gecko setup and what plants should be avoided? Is it ok to use flowering plants? What are your thoughts?
Cheers.

Jase
_________________
A lil bit of Madagascar

MJ · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 1:49 pm Post subject:

Pothos (aka devils ivy)
ficus pumilia
bromeliads (neoregelia, aechmea, guzmania and vriesea)
Orchids (phals would do well as the humidity isnt high all the time and they can dry out also look at vanda's)
ivy is OK

not sure many of those will support a creted but they will give a nice look to the viv.
_________________
Paul

For all your Tropical plant and Naturalistic Vivarium needs please enjoy Urban Bromeliad

Scott W · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 2:09 pm Post subject:

weeping figs (ficus) are great, cresteds seem to love thin branches and all the foilage to hide in.
_________________

Please DO NOT pm orders for reptiles, send email instead scott@captivebred.co.uk

Jase · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 2:51 pm Post subject:

MJ - Thanks for the suggestions. Orchids sound good, should be ok I presume if I put enough branches for climbing. Any orchids to avoid or are they all good? With regards to bromeliads, are they bold flowering? I'm after something to add some colour, red or orange.

Scott - ficus bejamina?!

Jase
_________________
A lil bit of Madagascar

Jase · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 3:06 pm Post subject:

*benjamina

Would eco earth brick be a good substrate?
_________________
A lil bit of Madagascar

Ailurus · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:21 pm Post subject:

i use eco earth. Well i think thats what it is, it came in a brick anyway. I have had no problems with it.
For info on naturalistic vivariums, try reading the art of keeping snakes by de vosjoli, its a great book.
_________________
Tom

Snakes: :Pantherophis: :Coelognathus: :Lampropeltis: :Heterodon: :Antaresia:
Lizards: :Rhacodactylus: :Pogona: :Goniurosaurus:

http://www.youtube.com/user/Ailurus27

MJ · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 6:32 pm Post subject:

Guzmania have many hybrids that have colourful flower spikes, the thing is most are toward the end of life so they dont last that long.

Good lighting can brng out colours in Neoregelia foliage Wink

as for the Orchids stick to the vanda's and paphs as these light decent humidity but also like to dry out some like I pressume the geckos do?
If money's no object you could try some minatures and other species encyclia ect.

Here's a planting mix I use for my frogs:

1 part cocco humus
1 part peat moss
2 parts fine orchid bark.
_________________
Paul

For all your Tropical plant and Naturalistic Vivarium needs please enjoy Urban Bromeliad

Jase · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:45 pm Post subject:

As it happens my dad is into growing orchids so I could see what he's got and pinch a few!

That was my next question, how do I light it to get the best out of the plants? Full spectrum?

Jase
_________________
A lil bit of Madagascar

Jase · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:46 pm Post subject:

Cheers Tom! Smile

_________________
A lil bit of Madagascar

MJ · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 7:52 pm Post subject:

a good CF daylight bulb on a dome reflector works wells for exoterra type vivs.
_________________
Paul

For all your Tropical plant and Naturalistic Vivarium needs please enjoy Urban Bromeliad