Why does nobody have snake plants in their viv's?

Curt61 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 01:49 AM

Hey, I was wondering why I never see any snake plants in viv's, they seem to be great plants for frogs to play on, and they are very pretty. I don't know the scientific name for snake plants, they are the ones that look like a really long leaf that grows stright up.

Thanks, Curt.

phrakt · #2 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 01:53 AM

These plants are part of the genus Sansevieria. I don't personnally use them because I try to stick only to Central/South American plants for my vivs, but I've seen them used, especially in tree frog tanks.

defaced · #3 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 01:54 AM

If you're talking about one of these (see pic below), it's because they get way too tall for a normal sized tank.

rain- · #4 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 01:56 AM

I've also understood that many of those like it dryish and will rot if their substrate is too wet. That might easily happen in a moist viv. I think there are shorter versions of Sansevieria trifasciata (the most common one) and possibly other species too which would fit in a viv.

Curt61 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 02:38 AM

Hey, yes I was talking about the plant in that picture, I just have a short 4 inch tall one, but yes I know they get very tall, but I have a very tall tank to go with a very tall plant

I have a 190 gallon tank that is 30 inches tall, most snake plants I have seen are about that tall. They want medium moistness. My 190 gallon tank is a lizard tank anyway, I will probley plant it in my tank. I was just making sure it wasn't toxic or anything.
Thanks for all the replys, Curt.

thekidgecko · #6 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 09:56 PM

The juice is mildly poisonous when first cut, but shouldn't be a problem unless you rubbed it directly onto the frog. I'm trying to start a cutting in my pum tank. They are so easy to trim, that I wouldn't find it a problem to trim them on occasion (they grow medium slowish for me) and just wipe the juice off right after cutting it.

Curt61 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 10:04 PM

Hey, so cutting them doesn't bother the plant? I know with some plants if you cut them they look like crap forever. Do you have yours in a pot in your tank or did you just put it into the substrate? (I am wondering if I should just plant mine in the tank or not.

Thanks, Curt.

thekidgecko · #8 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 10:08 PM

Cutting them will brown the end of the main leave stem where it heals back. I just put mine in straight into the sphagnum, but I haven't had it in there very long. I'll tell you it it takes root....

Frogtofall · #9 (**permalink**) 02-21-2007, 10:39 PM

I myself would not use these in a terrarium. They aren't exactly terrarium suitable b/c in general, they like a bit more arid conditions. Many succulent collectors grow Sansevieria. Good luck if you do use it though.

Curt61 · #10 (**permalink**) 02-22-2007, 01:32 AM

Hey, well I don't mind if they like a bit more arid conditions because I am putting it in my lizard tank that stays between 50 and 75% humidity. I can control how much water it gets also.

BTW if you cut a part of them off and put it in water or something and it will start to root? I know some plants do this, just wondering if it works with these or not.
Thanks,
Curt.