Planted Ripariums

[hydrophyte]

I have a concept that I have been working on for a few years that relates in a few ways to orchid gardering, planted ripariums. These systems make good habitats for tropical fish and other aquarium livestock, while also supporting live plants artisically arranged in a miniature garden composition. Ripariums are often compared to a superficially similar kind of planted aquarium, the paludarium, but unlike paludariums, ripariums do not have built-up terrestrial areas: the emergent aquatic plants are supported instead with hanging and floating planting hardware.



I include a picture above of a riparium composition that I recently put together in a 65 gallon aquarium. I actually have a few orchids growing in this setup--varieties selected because they use wet terrestrial habitats in nature--a Phragmepedium and a Spiranthes. I have a couple of different Bletilla going in another tank. I really do hope to source other suitable species and try some more orchids in my ripariums.

[Ray]

Very cool! (Obviously too small, though)

[RosieC]

Looks wonderful

[billc]

That's a beautiful set-up. There have been several posts by people growing in water culture. Maybe you can get some ideas.


Bill

[hydrophyte]

thanks very much!

[isurus79]

That is simply stunning! I have always wanted to something like that since I was a kid. When I get in a more permanent place I will definitely be talking to you about this type of setup. Just amazing! :

[hydrophyte]

well please let me know if any questions come to mind. i hope to make some more time to post some more details. i might start a thread with more description of specific displays in the terrarium forum.

here is a shot of the phrag that i have in that 65, a 'Jason Fischer'.



it's planted in a Hanging Planter. i have more details abou this in my blog (Category Archives: Orchids in a Fishtank?)

i have had mixed results with this plant. it finished blooming and looked very good for a while, but i nearly killed it some time after. long story short--phrags might do best with planter only submersed to about 1/3 of its depth: if too much of root mass is underwater, they can start to rot.

can anybody suggest any Phragmepedium that might do especially well in wet conditions?

Originally Posted by isurus79

That is simply stunning! I have always wanted to something like that since I was a kid. When I get in a more permanent place I will definitely be talking to you about this type of setup. Just amazing! :