Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK, I figured out that my brom was epiphytic and wasn't going to survive being planted into the soil of my terrarium. My question is what are some kinds of small bromeliads that can be planted into the soil of a terrarium and not rot? I would like a more "classic" style brom with cups that hold water as oposed to one that lies flat on the ground such as the Cryptanthus. Thanks in advance to all who reply!

The problem with the terrestrial bromeliads that I've run across, is that most grow too large for a terrarium, and none I've encountered holds water in the leaf axils like most of the epiphytes do. I'm interested in this question too. It would sure be nice to have it both ways.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus

It depends on the size of the terrarium but most of the small bromeliads that you can get potted in the stores will hold water (maybe not enough for pumilio reproduction) but enough that the frogs will shelter in them. Also a number of "epiphytic" bromeliads will grow planted as long as they are planted in a well drained airy substrate.
I'll try to remember to take pics of the brom (a neorgelia I think) in my one cage. Its a little leggy as it doesn't get enough light but it holds water and has pupped.

Ed

My tank was 10 Gal only and I used Neoregelia ampullacea, worked great. Frogs always went back to plants and rested between leaves.

If you mix fir bark chips with some coconut husk you will get a great mix that will keep the plant from sitting in dirt.
You can also mount alot of the smaller neo's on cork bark flats.
You'll get more use out of it aswell. Your frogs can hide under the cork bark flat aswell as climb on to it to get to your plants.
Hope I helped.
JC

Here's a pic of a tank that I am working on.
I'm going to change a lot of the plants and add a lot more neos.

Thanks, Great looking vivararium! I planted the brom with some bark and its doing great so far. Good Luck!

Slap my face, but I never thought of putting an epiphytic bromeliad on a piece of cork bark on the bottom. Duh!! That's a great looking terrerium you have going.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus