Hydroponic vivarium?

[killerecho]

Is it possible to grow plants directly out of waterlogged hydroton without any substrate? Has anyone tried this in a vivarium/terrarium environment?

[ViperJr]

So basically you're asking if there any plants that can be planted directly in water, without having to be fully submerged? The only ones I know is pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and "lucky bamboo" (Dracaena sanderiana ), which both makes excellent terrarium plants.

[killerecho]

I don't know if it's exactly the same as planting in water - the hydroton might provide some structure and storage for nutrients - which would kind of make it a substrate and therefore not true hydroponics??? Not sure, but apparently growers have managed to keep a wide variety of plants hydroponically, i.e. violets, begonias, philodendrons... I'm just wondering if anyone has actually done it successfully in a vivarium.

[flybyferns]

I don't know if it's exactly the same as planting in water - the hydroton might provide some structure and storage for nutrients - which would kind of make it a substrate and therefore not true hydroponics??? Not sure, but apparently growers have managed to keep a wide variety of plants hydroponically, i.e. violets, begonias, philodendrons... I'm just wondering if anyone has actually done it successfully in a vivarium.

Hi,
Check out this website.
East Coast Hydroponic Garden Center & Home Brew II

I think there is another retailer ( for growing supplies - hydroponically) off of Kissena Blvd?
Maybe one in the same ? Don't know.

Very interesting question? I have always wonder about this myself.

Lynn

[killerecho]

Lynn,
It's the same store. I get my hydroton from them, as a matter of fact. They're on Horace Harding b/t Kissena and Main, right in my neck of the woods:-)
I'm about to start on a 30 gallon vert as soon as the conversion kit comes in. I guess I'm going to guinea pig the idea myself and see how it goes. I've no doubt my pothos and peace lily will thrive this way, just not sure about the other stuff (ferns, philo, sansevieria, peperomias, etc.).

[flybyferns]

Lynn,
It's the same store. I get my hydroton from them, as a matter of fact. They're on Horace Harding b/t Kissena and Main, right in my neck of the woods:-)
I'm about to start on a 30 gallon vert as soon as the conversion kit comes in. I guess I'm going to guinea pig the idea myself and see how it goes. I've no doubt my pothos and peace lily will thrive this way, just not sure about the other stuff (ferns, philo, sansevieria, peperomias, etc.).

Brian , Wow !
Your sort of- like a neighbor. I'm working on a second viv also. About 10 days ago I re potted all the plants ( philodendron, variegated creeping fig, pothos, white and red fittonia and a nice upright peperomia into 'eco earth'. I wonder what kind of soil that have there? Hummm maybe something 'sterile' ? Don't forget - NO vermiculite ! If you want nice plants get to 'Martin Viette Nursery. East drive for you - on 25 A.
It's worth the ride - They maintain a beautiful tropical nursery ALL year round! Very fair prices. They have a cute kittiy , too!

HERE---- I'll plan a nice Sunday for you !!! lol

Martin Viette Nurseries :: Home
Welcome to ReptileExpo.com

I have gone to this show for a longtime. If you go to the show. Let me know.
There will be a frog "breeder" you DO NOT want to buy from. ( I''ll PM you the info if you want)

By that time (in March), Martin Viette will have their March delivery. I was there 2 weeks ago.
OMG, I could barley contain myself. It a good thing my husband was with me. hehehe
They have variegated creeping fig and a bunch of beautiful peperomias , all in 4" pots.

'They' grow vegetables hydroponically ! I'm sure you can grow other plants. It's the nutrients that will be the issue!
The water and drainage supplies - alone-would be great to help keep a nice clean enclosure. Very $$ though.
There is a kit I purchased a while ago from "Carolina Pet" , I'll get you the info. This kit was to start seeds with this same idea. I have always wanted to get to the place on Kissena. It's right off of the LIE. I wanted to look at lighting. I ended up having the electrician put in 2- 2X 2-48" florescent fixtures in the basement. I have 4-48 GE plant bulbs in them. They have been great for the plants. I have been able to rotate some or the plants-so they always look fresh !

Well I don't want to hijack your thread anymore than I have !

For other FF members reading that live in this area ( Long Island , NY) we are writing about:

1. hydroponic supplies East Coast Hydroponic Garden Center & Home Brew II

2. great nursery Martin Viette Nurseries :: Home

3. a ReptileExpo in March 2012 at the Huntington Hilton (right off the LIE) Welcome to ReptileExpo.com

FUN STUFF !!