Planted enclosures are easy to maintain if you use Hardy plants - we have some enclosures with 'pothos' plant in it and it's thriving.. No additional lighting needs it seems to do well from just the daylight from the window (they are on shelving so not directly near the window) they don't need much watering either and there is a few springtails in there but nothing else by way of isopods -
When I start a new terrarium, I put in soil. I use organic soil but you also can use soil that has fertilizer in it. I did often and it don’t hurt the spiders. Then I put plants. Or one small plant like a leaf with a root.
It most certainly does based on some info I got from some of the videos I saw on tarantula soil I was having issues finding any soil I could use so I've been using only peat moss. I was under the impression that even if a soil was organic that if it was fertilized it was dangerous . So could I use peat moss mixed with an organic potting soil ? I live in a small town they don't even carry top soil here that I have foundWhen I start a new terrarium, I put in soil. I use organic soil but you also can use soil that has fertilizer in it. I did often and it don’t hurt the spiders. Then I put plants. Or one small plant like a leaf with a root.
Epipremnum pinnatum which grows for years, you have to cut it back ever so often. Ficus pumila and also Peperomia caperata; Tradescantia.
Philodendron and Epipremnum aureum (Devil’s ivy). Golden Pothos is good as well. Cut them back as often as needed.
So when you start, you put a small rooted plant in. Make a hide for the spider with bark or anything you like. Or a little hole. I water the plant one time a week. The same time I make sure there is water in the bowl for the spider or I simply overflow it.
On larger terrariums I have a light on top or hanging over it. Energy saver bulbs are fine. I also use LED’s. One light is often for 3 to 5 terrariums. You will see what works best for you. If the leaves of the plant gets brown, it may be that your light source is too close. Or not enough water. If your plant is ok, so are your spiders...
It is easier than most people think. Small enclosures need maybe one light for many. I even have a plant in each container for my spiderlings.
I will post some pictures later, when I get home. Hope this helps you a little.
Yes, I don’t even use peat moss, but yes, you can mix it in.
Beautiful and exactly what I want , so I could use just organic potting soil for the T's substrate?
Wow ! I love the way you keep your collection and is exactly what I want to see mine look like ASAP . Thanks for all the information and I can't wait to put it to use I'll make a thread when I put some enclosures together .
Yes, perfectly fine. All my baby zoo is in it, nothing mixed. Thea are doing great!
I use Miracle Grow all the time.
Looking good. Take your time with changing it to bio active. You will have a lot of fun! Plants need a moment to grow. Enjoy
