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Succulents and moss in a tiger salamander enclosure?

Sarramy

Sarramy

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I'm still trying to decide how to decorate my tiger salamander enclosure (once he metas). I want it to be safe and appealing to him but aesthetics are still very important to me as well. So two questions:
1. Can I place succulents in there with him? I read something about the pothos plant but I was hoping I could use something a little, uh, harder to kill (I don't do so well with plants).
2. What about moss? I've read some good things about growing moss in there but I haven't been able to find out much giving specifics, like what types of moss are okay.

Thanks!
 
Donna001

Donna001

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I know that salamanders have a reputation for digging plants up as they burrow and move around their enclosure, but have you thought about perhaps keeping the plants in their pots and burying the pot in the substrate? This should reduce the amount of damage the salamander can do, and if he pushes them over you can just pick them back up again. Or surround the pots with rocks/pebbles, so they can't be disturbed.
That way you could have pretty much whatever plants you want.
 
Blackbun

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Succulents are adapted for dry conditions. Their leaves are designed to store water. They will not appreciate high humidity and constant dampness. You need to be looking at dwarf ferns, tradescantias and selaginellas. Creeping fig does well too. My preference is for a surface covered with predominantly semi decomposed leaves (beech, sweet chestnut), pieces of decomposing branch to provide hideaways (diameter of 15+ cm), moss and the ocassional creeping fern. This all looks terrific but I NEVER see the salamanders!
 
Sarramy

Sarramy

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Good point about the succulents. Okay, scrap that idea. I love moss so I'm good with that, but are there any that are harmful to tier salamanders? I don't want to get something that is toxic to him.

I'm not too concerned about him digging things up. I expect to have to remake the tank several times, plus I have an idea on how to limit that as well. :)
 
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