Hoppy's 65 Gal Riparium

[hydrophyte]

Hey that Exotic Angel site lists that Pilea that looks really good and grows well on the Nano Trellis Raft. They call it 'Silver Tree'...

http://www.exoticangel.com/Varieties...?productid=221

[Hoppy]

I'm not sure I would recognize an insect pest problem before it was severe, so I can't say I don't have problems. But, I haven't seen anything to make me think I have a problem. One thing I have noticed over several years: I used to live in Missouri and visited there regularly for many years. There were always 10X the insects there compared to Sacramento, and this is a farming area too. I suspect the very dry conditions in the summer here act to discourage many insect pests. At least for now I'm going to assume I will face fewer insects than you do.

[Hoppy]

Originally Posted by hydrophyte

Hey that Exotic Angel site lists that Pilea that looks really good and grows well on the Nano Trellis Raft. They call it 'Silver Tree'...

http://www.exoticangel.com/Varieties...?productid=221

They also list it as Pilea spruceana, so those of us who can't live without a little Latin in our lives can be happy

[Hoppy]

I added a few more plants today, but I think I am near the capacity for this tank. Once they all get started growing vigorously, I will have a job deciding where to cut, what to remove, how to rearrange. For now I am just ecstatic about how this is turning out.

And, a close up of the left side:

[CL]

Wow. I like it too. A lot. It reminds me of the landscaping at the jungle themed hotel in Disney World (no, not the mickey mouse shaped shrubs, lol)
Really cool, Hoppy. You're making me really want to set one of these bad boys up!

[will5]

Originally Posted by Hoppy

I now have a few more plants in the riparium, one is the spider lily Hydrophyte showed photos of when it was in his riparium, not blooming now, of course, and possibly just waiting to go dormant for the winter, but still looking very healthy. Then, there is another orchid on a piece of hanging bark, and some Pilea (sp) trying to start some roots from a nano raft.

And, I planted some E. Quadricostatus, broadleaf chain sword, in the substrate, along with a few stems of Bacopa Australis, both from Zeek21, to see if I can grow them up to the water surface, then drape them across a raft to grow emersed there.

Yes, I'm having fun with this!

Ok maybe I missed this but what did you use the hang the plants on the left and right side of the tank? They look like baskets?

[CL]

Originally Posted by will5

Ok maybe I missed this but what did you use the hang the plants on the left and right side of the tank? They look like baskets?

They are planters bought from riparium supply. They use suction cups to attatch to the wall.

[sewingalot]

Hoppy, also look up Fittonia for that red plant. They are very similar in growth to the Hypoestes with more substantial leaf texture and flowers similar to polygonums.

[Hoppy]

Originally Posted by sewingalot

Hoppy, also look up Fittonia for that red plant. They are very similar in growth to the Hypoestes with more substantial leaf texture and flowers similar to polygonums.

I don't think mine are Fittonia, because my leaves have somewhat more sharp points, less obvious veins running between the major veins, and no ruffling of the leaf edges at all. I think to be sure, one has to see a flower on the plant, and that hasn't happened.

[sewingalot]

The flowering will definitely tell the plant. It is looking good. One suggestion? The back left hand corner plant can't be seen very well. Maybe move it in front of the other plant on the left side? JMO.

[Hoppy]

Originally Posted by sewingalot

The flowering will definitely tell the plant. It is looking good. One suggestion? The back left hand corner plant can't be seen very well. Maybe move it in front of the other plant on the left side? JMO.

That is a good suggestion. I put that lily plant there because I expected it to go dormant very soon and I would be removing it then, but it has fooled me by continuing to grow new leaves. Maybe tomorrow I will try moving it back where it can tower over the front plants more artistically. The whole dormancy thing has me badly confused now. I even wonder how plants indoors in a riparium can tell it is approaching winter. The lighting duration sure doesn't change as it does in nature, and I thought that was a major cue for dormancy.

[londonloco]

Originally Posted by Hoppy

The whole dormancy thing has me badly confused now. I even wonder how plants indoors in a riparium can tell it is approaching winter. The lighting duration sure doesn't change as it does in nature, and I thought that was a major cue for dormancy.

My thoughts exactly. How do these plants know it's time to go dormant if the lighting/temp/nutrients stay the same thru out the year

[sewingalot]

Originally Posted by londonloco

My thoughts exactly. How do these plants know it's time to go dormant if the lighting/temp/nutrients stay the same thru out the year

Ditto. I am wondering this as well. Alos since the plants roots are kept in heated water, I am wondering if it even will go dormant.

[Hoppy]

Originally Posted by sewingalot

Ditto. I am wondering this as well. Alos since the plants roots are kept in heated water, I am wondering if it even will go dormant.

I have two rain lily plants (bulbs) in my nursery tank, and they definitely did begin to go dormant, with older leaves yellowing, and any new leaves being very thin and short. But, even with only the roots coming out of the planter in the water, they are still not obviously dormant. I wonder what causes the winter dormancy.

[Hoppy]

My Colocasia (Taro) is growing very well now, with another new leaf completely open, and a baby plant going good, with one leaf already. So, how do you know when to separate the baby from the mother? And, should it be planted in a regular planter cup like the mother plant?


The same plant may also be ready to bloom again. At least it seems to be starting a spathe - which could turn out to be another leaf too.


Is it just another leaf?