Questions
Michael A. Daugherty (buck@serv01.net-link.net)
Sat, 27 Jul 1996 00:04:41 -0400
I have a few questions about my small CP 'setup'. Im am using a 20
gallon aquarium as a terrarium. My growth medium is %70 peat/ %30 sand. I
am growing 3 flytraps, 2 sundews, 2 lobster pots, 2 cobras and 1 s. purpurea
purpurea, all are fairly young plants. I have a low wattage grow light
which I leave on about 14-16 hours a day. I have the plants potted in a 1
inch deep (temporarily, until I can find a deeper pot that will fit in the
aquarium) pot. For moisture I pour about an 1/2 inch of water into the
bottom of the tank and let it evaporate and/or 'seep' up into the soil thru
the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. I do this twice weekly. Soil
temperature on average is about 80 degrees fahrenheit. My problem is this:
How do I increase humidity in an artificial environment such as my terrarium
setup? I covered the holes in the lid with plastic to try and 'catch' some
of the humidity but this doesnt seem to work. My pitchers never seen to
fill on their own, I have to fill them myself with distilled water. Should
I get a fan to circulate air? Should I put more water in the tank and heat
the bottom in an attempt to promote evaporation? Any suggestion would be
greatly appreciated. Also, I understand alot of CP's go dormant during the
winter. Can I 'fool' them into thinking its spring/summer all year by
keeping amount of light exposure and temperature constant? I was thinking
it may be doable since the environment Im providing can be highly regulated
if it would be worth it or if it would totally screw with the plants growth
cycles.
Thanks
+Michael
buck@net-link.net