Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is there a type of grass that does well in vivariums? What would they require?

Most true grasses (family Graminae,) require more light than we can give them in a small indoor vivarium and/or are much too large. I'm assuming you are asking about a grass that more or less covers the substrate like a lawn, in which case, I know of none that will do this. Members of the grass family such as bamboo, (Bambusca), sugar cane, and others in the family are very un-grass-like and become huge, requiring a lot of sunlight we can't provide. For a dart vivarium, most of us usually use various mosses for a "lawn," and even this is subject to the whims of the moss species we use. Although Java Moss is a bit more scraggly and tall than the compact pillow mosses, it makes a nice ground cover in a relatively wet substrate, especially with larger frogs that keep it trampled down a bit. In my experience, it needs frequent trimming back, especially next to the glass. Pillow mosses will grow only where they choose to grow, which isn't always where you really want them, but are certainly worth a try.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
6 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
7 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
6 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
6 P. terribilis mint and organe
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus
2 D. azureus
4 P vittatus
2 P. lugubris

I already have mosses in my tank. I have patches of pillow moss on the floor, the surface of the rocks and the north facing side of the vertical logs are covered in frog moss. The reason for my question is that the are visible crevices in between some of the stones. I want to cover some of this with some plants. I have too many ferns in there already, and ferns look out of place were I intend to put grass. Ive tried wheat grass, it looks awesome for two weeks then it has to be replaced. I tried mondo grass but it looks out of place. What I really want is to add visual dynamics to the tank.

Can you post a picture of the area that concerns you? Someone may have an idea or two.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
6 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
7 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
6 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
6 P. terribilis mint and organe
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus
2 D. azureus
4 P vittatus
2 P. lugubris