Adding Color to a Vivarium

[Chris Davis]

Hey Everyone,

I'm looking to add some color to a vivaruim for some azureus dart frogs. Any suggestions?

Chris

[BonnieLorraine]

Neoregelias are the usual choice for color, but some Peperomias, red veined Fittonia, Gynura, small rhizomatous Begonias, and some varieties of jewel orchids are other options.

[Chris Davis]

Thanks! Those are pretty cool!

[deranged chipmunk]

Depending on the size of the enclosure, there are some aglaonema species that would work and provide lots of color. But they get big awfully fast.

[Chris Davis]

Depending on the size of the enclosure, there are some aglaonema species that would work and provide lots of color. But they get big awfully fast.

Those look pretty cool but it's a 20 gallon high tank so they may be a bit too big. Thanks though! Do they climb well?

[deranged chipmunk]

Climb? No. Aglaonema don't climb at all.

[Chris Davis]

Good to know!

[AKFROG]

Quoting Wikipedia, "Agaomena plants are poisonous due to calciun oxalate crystals. If ingested causes irritation of the mucous membranes and the juice can cause skin irritation and painful rash."

[deranged chipmunk]

Quoting Wikipedia, "Agaomena plants are poisonous due to calciun oxalate crystals. If ingested causes irritation of the mucous membranes and the juice can cause skin irritation and painful rash."

For once, Wikipedia has one right, aglaonema species are indeed toxic "if ingested". So now you may be sitting there thinking "if he knows they are toxic, why did he recommend using them?" Because about 85% (possibly more) of plants we use in vivariums are toxic "if ingested". The only defense mechanism some plants have, is toxicity. Good thing our frogs don't eat their plants huh? And yes, is there the possibility of a branch breaking under the weight of the frog, exposing toxic substances? Yes there is. So it is up to us, as keepers, to choose wisely. I wouldn't put one in an enclosure with large frogs in it, that would be able to snap it. But, in a dart frog enclosure? Sure. Retf's yup. In fact, I do believe heather keeps one in her retf enclosure. I keep several aglaonemas in my mantella's enclosure. Have for quite some time, never even had a broken stem.

We just need to use common sense when choosing plants for our enclosures.


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[AKFROG]

You experts make me puke!

[UncleChester]

You experts make me puke!

This is rude and uncalled for. We prefer members to be polite to one another. If you disagree with Bill you are absolutely free to explain why, but remain civil.

[Heatheranne]

Oh goodness! Lets chat pleasantly, please.

Bill is actually right, there are several plants that if eaten are poisonous. What you have to consider is, does the plant seep poisonous sap? Will the insects that the frogs are fed eat the plants? If the answers are no, then many poisonous plants are actually okay.

I use Chinese evergreen very often with my tree frogs and have never had problems. I've also used crotons. Difference is, my crickets do not roam freely and my frogs are bowl fed.

Same goes for dart frogs... If the plants do not secrete poisons, then most are okay. I do avoid the highly toxic dieffenbachia.

If you're not sure about the safety of a specific plant, just ask. We know quite a few people who sell plants for vivariums. If we do not have the answers, we can ask for you.

[Heatheranne]

My red eyes have lived with Chinese evergreens for almost four years. No problems at all .