All the research indicates it is best to leave plants potted in terrariums and bury the pots to create the natural look. My experience with this does not prove ideal and I wrestle with should I just plant direct in the medium of the terrarium.
What I find is the folage of the plants doesn't allow water from daily misting to get to the floor of the tank (maybe that's a sign there is too much in the tank, but I really like the look), the medium in the pots appear to dry out quickley and trying to get water to each one individual is a pain, the plant roots work their way out of the bottom of the pot eventually so the concept that this makes it easier to tend to the individual plants is a bit of a myth (although I acknowledge it is easier than having to dig the plant out of the dirt), the plants in the terrarium grow quickley and need regular root pruning to stay in the same size pot (to put them in larger pots means less room in the tank and as I said above, I like the jungle look).
On the opposite side, I do like to rearrange frequently and as I already said, it is easier to get the plants out in pots even if I still end up ripping out some roots that have grown through the bottom.
I'm toying with a mixed planting arrangement. Those plants that I know need more root space (like the coffee and a couple of ferns for example) I may direct plant and leave the rest in pots. The nepths which are the only cps in the tank are in one pot on a shelf area and seem to be doing great.
Well, just my thoughts, I know most of you do not go for the natural design in your tanks but does anyone direct plant? How does it work?
Thanks
What I find is the folage of the plants doesn't allow water from daily misting to get to the floor of the tank (maybe that's a sign there is too much in the tank, but I really like the look), the medium in the pots appear to dry out quickley and trying to get water to each one individual is a pain, the plant roots work their way out of the bottom of the pot eventually so the concept that this makes it easier to tend to the individual plants is a bit of a myth (although I acknowledge it is easier than having to dig the plant out of the dirt), the plants in the terrarium grow quickley and need regular root pruning to stay in the same size pot (to put them in larger pots means less room in the tank and as I said above, I like the jungle look).
On the opposite side, I do like to rearrange frequently and as I already said, it is easier to get the plants out in pots even if I still end up ripping out some roots that have grown through the bottom.
I'm toying with a mixed planting arrangement. Those plants that I know need more root space (like the coffee and a couple of ferns for example) I may direct plant and leave the rest in pots. The nepths which are the only cps in the tank are in one pot on a shelf area and seem to be doing great.
Well, just my thoughts, I know most of you do not go for the natural design in your tanks but does anyone direct plant? How does it work?
Thanks