thanks for the link, plantlady.
bonnie
favorite vendor
Right now there are 2 coops going on, I'm in the Canna coop, and its my first. I am interested in the rose one too. The canna coop has GREAT prices if anyone is interested.
Ok, I know someone put info out about mini plants for terrariums. I would love to start one, I've got cabin fever really bad. Anyone have any suggestions on plants etc?? And has anyone used the charcoal? Any info would be great!!
I'm in the Caladium Co-Op. Joined in last year and was so pleased with the results! I've grown Caladiums for many years, purchasing bulbs or plants from Wal-Mart and Home Depot but there's no comparison to the large bulbs we receive in this co-op. Good sized, healthy bulbs that grow into very beautiful plants!
I must have missed where folks were talking about mini plants for terrariums. If anyone finds a vendor and decides to do a co-op for mini terrarium plants I might have to join in that one too!
I Love planting Terrariums and have a few. I used to use charcoal years ago but then I got old ^_^ and forgot and didn't want to have to break down the terrarium to start again so I don't use it anymore. I'm not exactly sure of the reason for horticultural charcoal use in terrariums, some swear it makes a difference when used as a layer under their soil mix, but other then aiding in drainage I don't know if it really helps or hinders anything. I haven't seen any difference in plant growth etc in my terrariums.
I use a layer of pea gravel in the bottom of my terrariums for drainage and with the lids on, the moisture that builds up is plenty enough for the plants ... I never water, with the exception of the 10 gal aquarium that I planted. With the light on all day it sometimes gets a bit dry at times, depending on how long the lights are on. Even with that one I only put a little water in every five or six months! Sometimes too much moisture builds up and the lids have to be vented.
charcoal I think? acts as a purifier like in an aquarium...........
yep charcoal helps keep the moisture at the bottom from going sour. It can get pretty funky in the bottom of a terrarium.
I don't have any problems with "funkyness" in my terrariums and I don't use charcoal. I think the funky growths and odor in the soil come from too much moisture build up causing the stagnant smells.
yup moisture is definitely the culprit.
anaerobic oxidation causes the "funky" smell ;)
where did you learn that word, Gran? I am impressed!
biology major--took a wetlands ecology class once upon a time---that term stuck---every time I repot a water lily and experience that stench I remember it.
Now I am really impressed. I went back to school in '89 to get a degree in horticulture. Since I had a college degree they let me take upper level courses..........big mistake. I loved some of the courses but I hated biology (I had only had chemistry and geology). When I realized I wasn't studying hard enough to pass biology I quit school after one year!
Thanks everyone for ALL of the imput, guess I need to keep reading on the charcoal thing. Our winters are drier, but we have so much humidity here, maybe I should use in case of the stinkers???
I ordered my plants today from Violet Barn, I also got 2 of the new 2009 Streps, Daisy Doodle and Sally Mander. As soon as they are large enough and if you tell me how to do the leaves I will gladly share with you. I am using a 1 1/2 gal hexagon fish tank that I had a few baby fan tail guppies in a few years back. Not very big, but guess it will be a start. I have looked around the internet and saw some adorable smaller ones too. Wish me luck!! I will try to post pics if anyone is interested.
Gail, I understand. I study BUT then panic on the tests!! Dont get it, I can get them all correct until I get to class, then the mind goes wild.
I hope everyone has a Great New year!!
Laura H
Laura, are you going to use the little fish tank for Strep's? Are they Strep's that get really large? If so, you may only be able to fit one in that tank. I don't grow Strep's ... they don't like me at all, can't keep one alive for very long at all.
Here's Daisy Doodle from The Violet Barn website: http://www.robsviolet.com/bristol's_daisy_doodle.htm and Sally Mander: http://www.robsviolet.com/bristols_sally_mander.htm both really pretty!
I am dying to order some of Rob's new streps but I haven't paid for Christmas yet.............so I will wait a while. You surely don't need a terrarium for streps ...........maybe a dome for about a week or so??????????
My Purple Panda seems to like it under the dome . . . I'm not sure if I want to take it out!
Have you noticed, Gail, that all of Rob's "new for 2009" streps are out of stock until mid-January?
When I win the lottery, I'm going to visit Rob's in person! ^_^
Im sorry! No the tank is for mini plants for dish gardens. I think sometimes people use the micro violets and such but I was just going to put the streps in the windows. We really cut back on Christmas this year. Im not sure when the new streps will get shipped but will let you know when I hear something on these. chelsea got almost all of her room cleaned out over the holiday. She had sooo much to toss out, she could not believe all of the stuff she had kept.
syrumani, when you win the lottery, I will DRIVE you to Rob'S! LOL!
Ihettenhausen, I would like some of whatever you have been seving Chelsea, please!