Using open cell foam as planting medium

[junebug]

Hi all! Long time, no post. But I am wondering if you guys can offer some advice on something.

I have some leftover Poret foam, which is a rigid open cell foam, from an old aquarium build. I'm wondering, I know it's a great growing medium for aquatic plants if water flows through it. But is it any good as a planting medium for terrestrial plants? I'm working on a viv build and wondered whether I ought to use the leftover foam (there's a lot of it) or some cocofiber as the backdrop. I can sprinkle some peat moss or soil over the foam to create a natural look and provide some nutrients for the plants, and mist it daily. Let me know what you all think.

[deranged chipmunk]

It should be good for growing epiphytes, it has enough surface area for the plants' roots to grab ahold of. As far as holding substrate, I doubt you be able to hold enough to actually give plants any real nutrition.


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[junebug]

Thanks Bill. I will probably mostly do epiphytes on it, but in the lower reaches, where plant roots will be in the water, I may try something with a little higher nutrient requirement.