Plants in terrarium

[Huntar132]

Hello I'm pretty new to this forums. Was hoping to get some feedback and suggestions on planting in a terrarium.

So today I plan on making a custom bottom to my repti-breeze for the plants in there. I was wondering how deep I should make this taking into consideration the drainage layer. I have a few live plants in there consisting of 3 coleus which he loves to just sit by, a few small fern looking plants, and one tall one that I'm not to sure the name of. I guess I'm just asking what's a safe depth to accommodate all the plants now with some room to grow.

 

[Syreptyon]

If you don't know the name of any of your plants, you should identify them or remove them immediately. Not all plants can be used safely with chameleons. You really need to research each one before considering using it.

 

[Huntar132]

I did research them before putting them in the enclosure. I just cant remember the name of it.

 

[Goose502]

If I were building custom, I would have at least a 6 inch drainage layer, and then at least another 8-12 inches of bioactive, high quality soil, HEAVILY planted with a good variety of plant/shrubs. Basically, make a large planter with a cage on top.

 

[Huntar132]

If I were building custom, I would have at least a 6 inch drainage layer, and then at least another 8-12 inches of bioactive, high quality soil, HEAVILY planted with a good variety of plant/shrubs. Basically, make a large planter with a cage on top.

I'll keep that in mind thank you.

 

[jamest0o0]

@Goose502 I always skimped on the drainage layer only keeping it at 2ish inches or so. Curious why you'd want it at 6? I do like a deep soil bed, my one is almost 2 feet of substrate.

 

[Goose502]

@Goose502 I always skimped on the drainage layer only keeping it at 2ish inches or so. Curious why you'd want it at 6? I do like a deep soil bed, my one is almost 2 feet of substrate.

Only reason would be for any potential over misting/watering. I use about 2-3 inches, but that’s only due to the constraints of my enclosure. The OP is going custom, anything worth doing, is worth overdoing. And yes, to be honest, I’d probably go deeper with the substrate layer as well.

 

[jamest0o0]

@Goose502 oh I get what you mean. I'm thinking relative to my build I have free drainage through the bottom. So a 6" drainage layer wouldn't do a whole lot in regards to my current set up.