Terrestrial/Aquatic plant for C. Orientalis tank

[stanleyc]

I'm looking for a plant for a spot in my half aquatic and terrestrial firebelly tank.that spot is very shallow maybe just a couple centimeters of water covering the gravel. I'm looking for the plant that i can plant there in the gravel, so most of the plant out of water, but is rooted under the shallow water and gravel. If anyone knows a plant thats suitable, please let me know.

Thanks

 

[Melmo]

Try golden pothos. The roots absorb water and moisture very well.

 

[evut]

A lot of aquarium plants can grow out of water, e.g. Bacopas.
You might find this article interesting: Terrestrial Plants Sold as Aquatics

Fire bellies are fully aquatic when adult so you might be better off giving the newt more water.

 

[Azhael]

I suggest Hydrocotyle sp. They are fantastic.
I agree with Eva, though, a terrestrial area is a waste of space for this species.

 

[stanleyc]

A lot of aquarium plants can grow out of water, e.g. Bacopas.
You might find this article interesting: Terrestrial Plants Sold as Aquatics

Fire bellies are fully aquatic when adult so you might be better off giving the newt more water.

Thanks. I have 4 adults, 2 of them periodically come to the surface to hang out for a bit inside a cave. Also I have a few terrestrial juveniles and a few more larvae that will morph soon. So I have my tank setup half terrestrial and half aquatic right now.

 

[Azhael]

How much water is ther ein the tank? Bare in mind that for 4 adults and a few larvae, the bare minimum would be 10 gallons, but 20 would be advisable. If two of your adults ocassionally go on land, it´s possible that it´s related to water quality issues (could be ammonia/nitrites, could be temperature....). You should check that the water conditions are adequate just in case.
I understand why you have a terrestrial area, but make sure it doesn´t compromise the volume of water you can offer.

 

[stanleyc]

How much water is ther ein the tank? Bare in mind that for 4 adults and a few larvae, the bare minimum would be 10 gallons, but 20 would be advisable. If two of your adults ocassionally go on land, it´s possible that it´s related to water quality issues (could be ammonia/nitrites, could be temperature....). You should check that the water conditions are adequate just in case.
I understand why you have a terrestrial area, but make sure it doesn´t compromise the volume of water you can offer.

30 gallons about 3/5 of that is water

 

[spendday]

another vote for golden pothos (aka devils ivy) its fab I've got some in my orientalis tank, its freaking indestructible.
mines coming out when i replant later this year but its a great plant

 

[stanleyc]

How much water is ther ein the tank? Bare in mind that for 4 adults and a few larvae, the bare minimum would be 10 gallons, but 20 would be advisable. If two of your adults ocassionally go on land, it´s possible that it´s related to water quality issues (could be ammonia/nitrites, could be temperature....). You should check that the water conditions are adequate just in case.
I understand why you have a terrestrial area, but make sure it doesn´t compromise the volume of water you can offer.

Also the water quality shouldn't be an issue, I've checked it before because of the fact that 2 seem to prefer land once in a while, but the water was fine when i checked. The temperature however have been a bit warm the last few days, but they come out even during the winter. Come to think of it though, they have been out more often than before the last couple days, which will probably be the temperature, so I'll definitely be looking out.

Thanks again for the responses, can always count on this community.

 

[stanleyc]

Will Bacopa monnieri work for this?

 

[stanleyc]

I suggest Hydrocotyle sp. They are fantastic.
I agree with Eva, though, a terrestrial area is a waste of space for this species.

Will Hydrocotyle live totally submerged? Also will gravel work for a substrate?

 

[Azhael]

At least some species do thrive totally submerged. Gravel is a bad choice for a substrate because it traps vast amounts of debris, dificultates feeding and can be accidentally ingested causing serious trouble or even death. Sand is a muuuuuuuch better choice, and Hydrocotyle does very well on a sand subtrate.

 

[evut]

Bacopa monnieri should work - it normally grows in wetlands. It's very pretty but grows really slowly.

Regarding substrate: putting organic soil under sand should improve the growth of plants - a lot of people report good results with it. (Look up Walstad method.)

 

[SkinksGalore77]

another vote for golden pothos (aka devils ivy) its fab I've got some in my orientalis tank, its freaking indestructible.
mines coming out when i replant later this year but its a great plant

Will it grow in just water and rocks or do you need sand or something.