Air plants

MetalMan2004

Arachnodemon
Joined
Oct 14, 2016
Messages
676
I tried and failed. Doesn't mean it can't be done though. The plants still need to be misted every once in a while. Also, mine got webbed up and I assume the webbing just choked the plant out.
 

The Snark

Dumpster Fire of the Gods
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
11,047
Epiphtes need a constant exchange of air. I can't imagine enough of an air exchange in any enclosure for them to be thrifty.
 

schmiggle

Arachnoking
Joined
Nov 3, 2013
Messages
2,220
They also really dislike being wet. Unless you have a good way of keeping it from getting to wet, you won't have much luck.
 

Jpeg

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 26, 2017
Messages
32
Tillandsia can work, a lot of dart frog people use them in their vivs. They do need to dry out regularly so can't be kept in a constantly humid section and definitely not wrapped in sphagnum. They're also high light lovers.
 

archaeosite

Arachnosquire
Joined
Oct 18, 2014
Messages
57
I think they could work well in the homes of gentle arboreal species - definitely not the homes of high-density webbers like GBB.

Tillandsia have some specific care requirements. They like bright, indirect light. They need excellent air circulation. And they need to be soaked in water for about an hour twice a week. (You can read more specific instructions online.) Because of this, they shouldn't be placed in terrariums/vivs where they will be choked with webbing. Because you'll need to take them out twice a week to water, they shouldn't be placed in the enclosure of a very aggressive species.

Based on this, I think they would be a good choice high in the tank of a Psalmopoeus sp. My psalmos tend to make floor-based dirt tunnels and curtains and don't web the tops of enclosures. A cork round with air plants on the outside would be a great tarantula + air plant harmony, I think. :)
 

efmp1987

Arachnoknight
Joined
Aug 16, 2017
Messages
150
Tilandsia should work perfectly granted the T specie is not a heavy webber. They need indirect sunlight, so a lit room during the day will suffice (a badly-lit room will be as dark as movie theater, but you get the point, they just need the regular "brightness, NOT sunlight). Just punch holes on the enclosure for more ventilation. Do not cover their roots with moss either as they have a tendency to rot, just tie them to a piece of wood using a fishing line or whatever, even glue gun works. Their root needs to be exposed for drying. And dont plant them directly on the substrate, you either stick them on driftwood or heck even on the tank wall. Light misting is perfect - they are not a moisture-loving plant and only need water as a need as all living things do. If the leaves are not given a chance to dry they drown. Theyre really easy to grow, some even just hang them, hence the name Air plant because they thrive even via wire-hanging without having to send forth roots.
 
Top