In this article, we are introducing ferns and aquatic plants suitable for Terra Base.

Stem plants that are included widely in the BIO Mizukusa no Mori lineup, are the type of plants that takes root in the ground, and needs nutrient supply. Even if these stem plants are used for Terra Base, the healthy growth cannot be expected. When they are actually attached to Terra Base, their terminal buds are maintained, but leaves on the lower stems are withered and fell off right away.
These ADA Living Products suitable for Terra Base are the species of aquatic plants that are also used as epiphytic aquatic plats for Nature Aquarium.

3 species recommended from BIO Mizukusa no Mori for Terra Base

Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’
It is a hardy species that grows even in a relatively dark place. Anubias are tolerant to dry conditions. Unless it is completely dry, it won’t wither. However, some lower leaves may fall off. When commercially available Anubias in a pot is used, if the Anubias is big, its roots are big too. And its older roots are jam packed in the pot. Immediately after this kind of plant is attached to Terra Base, lower leaves may change color to adapt to the new environment. When it happens, cut them off and wait for new leaves to develop. On the other hand, Anubias barteri var. nana ‘Petite’ of BIO Mizukusa no Mori is small, but new roots are already well-developed. And compared with the one in a pot, the initial stage is smoother. Because there are about 5 plants in a BIO Mizukusa no Mori cup, you can put them all in a cluster or scatter them on Terra Base.

Bucephalandra sp. ‘Sintang’

It grows as taking root on Terra Base. Although tiny white flowers wrapped in bracts bloom, their lifespan is short, and they won’t last even one day. You have to be careful because the leaf scorch is likely to happen with strong light. And its leaves may wilt due to stuffiness. If that happens, rinse well with water.

Utricularia graminifolia
When it is mixed with moss, they grow as intertwining with each other. Unlike moss, it is bright lime green, and can be effectively used as a color accent on the Terra Base surface. In general, carnivorous plants are said to be the result of adaptation in an oligotrophic environment. Even in the Terra Base environment, it notably grew well, and its flower buds can be enjoyed.

Ferns that create a natural feeling

Neo Glass Air 20x20x35 (cm) is suitable for Terra Base M. However, especially when using Microsorum sp., it tends to have a lot of volume. For that reason, using other aquarium tank sizes such as 30x30x45 (cm), for instance, can be an option. Because leaves turn black as they get older, cut them off, and promote the development of new buds. Compare to other plants, aquatic ferns prefer an environment with relatively high air humidity. Neo Glass Cover helps keep the humidity, and when the surface of Terra Base is constantly moist, roots can be maintained without drying out.

Jungle Plants Microsorum sp. ‘Narrow Leaf’

Jungle Plants Microsorum sp. ‘Trident’

Jungle Plants Bolbitis heteroclita
It is a fern suitable for being cultivated above water.  Because even old leaves of this plant can keep the bright color, it gives a pleasant impression. It grows slowly on the surface of Terra Base, and the volume can be manageable. And because it doesn’t develop long rhizomes, it doesn’t spoil a layout.

*It is distributed in a long cone (LC) shaped cup.

This week’s Terra Base

【DATA】
TERRABASE M
【Plants】
①Davallia parvula
②Microsorum pteropus ‘Narrow leaf’
③Vesicularia montagnei
④Fern sp.

This Terra Base layout was created only with ferns. Ferns are regarded as relatively primitive plants because they haven’t changed their shapes from ancient times to the present time. They don’t flower, and they are not so flashy. But the deep charms that ferns have are preferred by experts.

Ferns are reminiscent of the refreshing feeling of mountain streams and dense jungle forest floors. They are the plants that can create a natural feeling more deeply in any form. When thinking about ferns, they are more likely to remind us of water than normal plants. Ferns need water not only at the growth stage, but also at the reproduction stage. Therefore, it can be said that they are the plants that have a strong relationship with water.

As you can imagine from these characteristics, dryness is a great enemy for ferns. Once roots of ferns get dry, they don’t recover as nicely as it was before drying out even if water is given again. For that reason, it is important not to let the roots get dry in order to achieve a beautiful look. The humidity control is especially important right after ferns are introduced to the layout.

Light (Heat) and Wind cause dryness. When Magnet Light G is installed above Neo Glass Air, heat is transmitted through Glass Cover and into the aquarium tank. Even when an aquarium tank is completely closed with a lid, if heat is applied, it tends to get dry. Although water always seeps out of the surface of Terra Base, the upper part of Terra Base tends to get dry as the water level becomes lower. In general, it is better for ferns to be placed at the lower part of Terra Base. But, because we wanted to use ferns all over Terra Base for this layout, they were slowly nurtured in a slightly dark environment without applying light on purpose.

 

To be continued.