more plant info

[flybyferns]

>Plants
Artificial (e.g., plastic or “silk”) plants can be used for amphibian tanks and work well in
situations where tank objects need to be cleaned thoroughly and frequently. An added
benefit to artificial plants is that they will not transmit Bd fungus from a supplier to collection
animals as live plants have been suspected of doing (C. Peeling, pers. comm.). However, there
is some anecdotal evidence that amphibians prefer live plants. In addition, living greenery
acts as a biological filter by converting nitrogenous wastes effectively in your enclosure.
Consider the following factors when selecting plants: 1) adaptability to high-humidity
conditions; 2) non-toxic to animals; 3) compatibility with the species’ natural history; and 4)
native to the same region as your animal(s) (if you are a stickler for biological accuracy).
High-humidity species: Pothos species (e.g., Scindapsus aureum); ferns; tropical and
temperate ivys; Selaginella and other club mosses; java moss; Tillandsia and other bromeliads
(plants of the pineapple family whose water-filled axils are essential for leaf axil breeders such
as Oophaga (Dendrobates) pumilio); creeping or other species of Ficus; and aroids of the
family Araceae are commonly used plants in terraria. Peperomias, begonias, and calatheas
work well, too. Orchids are increasing in popularity in general and their use in the terrarium is
becoming more common. Terrestrial jewel orchids are susceptible to rotting in moist
environments and may not be the best choice for a beginner. More success has been seen
with smaller, epiphytic species mounted on branches and placed in areas where good air circulation
and drainage allows proper drying of root systems.
Submerged, aquatic plants
should be provided for salamanders, as many species adhere their eggs either singly or in
clusters to submerged plant leaves. Species of aquatic plants that can be cultured easily
include java fern, java moss, and the ubiquitous Elodea.
Some species of potted plants purchased at the local greenhouse contain toxins that may be
unwittingly consumed by your animals when crickets or other prey items ingest the plant
material. For example, oxalate-producing plants [e.g., silver queen (Aglaonema roebelinii)]
have been linked to subcutaneous edema and lethargy in waxy frogs (Phyllomedusa
sauvagii). Feed crickets were suspected of eating the plants in the terrarium before the frogs
consumed the crickets (Wright and Whitaker, 2001). Avoid using other oxalate-producing
plants such as aroids [e.g., dumb cane (Dieffenbachia)]. There is also some evidence that
some plants in the Commeleniaceae (wandering Jew) family are toxic (R. Gagliardo, pers.
obs.). A little research on appropriate plants will pay off in the long run for the well being of
your animals. > Link below: ( pg. 15 )

great substrate information as well - prior to page 15

http://www.aza.org/uploadedFiles/Con...ourceGuide.pdf

good reading day -wet snow here on the north shore of Long Island, New York - yikes ! Burrrrrrr !36 F and windy too !

[BG]

Good day for reading and doing homework. lol