Bioactive Products

Phrases like 'Terrascaping', 'Bio-Active' and 'Living Terrariums' are becoming more and more common in the world of reptile and amphibian care, as keepers become more aware of the benefits of creating a living ecosystem for their pets.

Apart from the aesthetic appeal of a planted terrarium there are some very real, tangible benefits for the animals. Living plants provide natural cover and climbing perches, shade, basking sites and maintain natural humidity. Just as live plants in an office can improve workers well-being, live plants in a terrarium will have the same effect for animals.

But not all plants are suitable for terrarium use and it is important to not only choose the correct plants for the environment but also to select species or varieties that do not grow too large. Many houseplants for sale appear suitable when they are small specimens in a garden centre, but given time they may end up as giants that overwhelm a terrarium.

ProRep are delighted to introduce a comprehensive range of live plants. These are not just small houseplants but are a selected range of species that are ideally suited to the terrarium, including some of the more unusual or rare types. They have carefully selected the range so that there are plants to suit all habitats and growth patterns. There are succulents for arid environments, bromeliads, ground cover plants and epiphytes for jungle setups as well as aquatic plants and mosses.

Whatever the environment you're trying to re-create, you will be able to use live plants to suit.

Aloe aristata

Aloes are great plants for arid terrariums. Their interesting leaf shapes and growth habits make them ideal for adding interest to a planting arrangement. The leaves are often armed with spines so care should be taken when using them with larger species of animals. Aloes need bright lighting and a well drained soil which prevents the roots rotting. Their leaves are designed to store water and so they are tolerant of occasional drying out, but this should be avoided if possible. They prefer to be watered as the soil dries out, but before they are completely dry. Unless the terrarium is set up with a deep, bio-active substrate then plants is a dry terrarium are best kept in their pot, which is then disguised with substrate and decor. This allows the plants to be watered as necessary without making the whole substrate too damp.

The ultimate dry terrarium plant, Living stones need to be grown under bright light where they will slowly spread by developing offshoots. This species dislikes disturbance and so they are best suited for use with smaller, non destructive animals which may did them up. Their soil needs to be free draining as they dislike constantly wet roots and are very tolerant of drought.

Air plant supplied in mesh pocket with header card. Airplants need to be kept at a temperature of above 8 degrees Centigrade, in a draft free environment.

They can be dunked into rain water once a week, and then shaken gently to remove residual water and fed with a propritary air plant fertilizer. they proivide long lasting natural decor for vivariums and terrariums and can be attached to vines, stones, trunks, in fact almost anything for a naturalistic finish.

Phrases like 'Terrascaping', 'Bio-Active' and 'Living Terrariums' are becoming more and more common in the world of reptile and amphibian care, as keepers become more aware of the benefits of creating a living ecosystem for their pets.

Apart from the aesthetic appeal of a planted terrarium there are some very real, tangible benefits for the animals. Living plants provide natural cover and climbing perches, shade, basking sites and maintain natural humidity. Just as live plants in an office can improve workers well-being, live plants in a terrarium will have the same effect for animals.

But not all plants are suitable for terrarium use and it is important to not only choose the correct plants for the environment but also to select species or varieties that do not grow too large. Many houseplants for sale appear suitable when they are small specimens in a garden centre, but given time they may end up as giants that overwhelm a terrarium.

ProRep are delighted to introduce a comprehensive range of live plants. These are not just small houseplants but are a selected range of species that are ideally suited to the terrarium, including some of the more unusual or rare types. They have carefully selected the range so that there are plants to suit all habitats and growth patterns. There are succulents for arid environments, bromeliads, ground cover plants and epiphytes for jungle setups as well as aquatic plants and mosses.

Whatever the environment you're trying to re-create, you will be able to use live plants to suit.

Sansevieria 'tiny sanny'

A lovely, striking plant for the dry or scrub terrarium this interesting variety of the familiar "Mother in laws Tongue". Its flat leaves do not exceed 10cm in height and it looks create planted in groups, or in combination with snake plants (Sansivaria mikado). Tolerant of a wide variety of moisture and light conditions the only things this species really doesn't like is very low light and a wet soil. It will tolerate drying out as it stores water in its leaves and roots so its great for direct planting into a dry or scrub terrarium as the soil does not have to be kept damp.

Please note: you will be purchasing one plant only. The product image is to show the possible variegation you may receive.

Giant Orange Woodlice (Porcellio sp.) are one of the larger species of isopod commonly used as terrarium custodians or 'clean-up crew' and live and breed well in bio-active set-ups. As adults, they may attain a length of up to 18mm long. Giant Orange Woodlice are also useful as a livefood for many reptiles and amphibians and have the advantage of a high calcium content due to their calcarious exo-skeleton. If they are to be used as food, they are best served up in a smooth-sided dish in much the same way as mealworms or calci-worms. To thrive and become established in the terrarium, they need to be in a constantly damp and humid microclimate which normally means that they hide away for much of the time under branches, rocks or within the substrate. They are supplied in tubs as a starter culture of various sizes.

Your woodlice will be delivered in a plastic container. The bottom of the tub is covered in nutrient rich soil based substrate. The sides of the plastic tub are perforated to provide maximum ventilation with minimum risk of escape. The colony is usually hatched in transit and should be fully populated within a week.

To keep the isopods healthy we would recommend you continue to feed them on a nutritious vegetable and fruit diet or with insect food.

Phrases like 'Terrascaping', 'Bio-Active' and 'Living Terrariums' are becoming more and more common in the world of reptile and amphibian care, as keepers become more aware of the benefits of creating a living ecosystem for their pets.

Apart from the aesthetic appeal of a planted terrarium there are some very real, tangible benefits for the animals. Living plants provide natural cover and climbing perches, shade, basking sites and maintain natural humidity. Just as live plants in an office can improve workers well-being, live plants in a terrarium will have the same effect for animals.

But not all plants are suitable for terrarium use and it is important to not only choose the correct plants for the environment but also to select species or varieties that do not grow too large. Many houseplants for sale appear suitable when they are small specimens in a garden centre, but given time they may end up as giants that overwhelm a terrarium.

ProRep are delighted to introduce a comprehensive range of live plants. These are not just small houseplants but are a selected range of species that are ideally suited to the terrarium, including some of the more unusual or rare types. They have carefully selected the range so that there are plants to suit all habitats and growth patterns. There are succulents for arid environments, bromeliads, ground cover plants and epiphytes for jungle setups as well as aquatic plants and mosses.

Whatever the environment you're trying to re-create, you will be able to use live plants to suit.

Guzmania ritmo

Guzmanias are epiphytic bromeliads suited to use in forest set ups. They can be grown attached to rocks or branches, or in a well drained soil. Planting these plants in waterlogged conditions will cause them to quickly rot as their roots are used for attachment rather than collecting water or nutrients. Guzmanias are easily scorched by hot lights so be sure to plant them in a fairly bright position, but out of direct light. They will also tolerate shade. Most of the water and nutrients these plants require are absorbed by the leaves in the centre of the leaf whorl, where it forms a natural bowl. This central cup needs to be kept filled with water, which will happen naturally with spray systems. The occasional dead insect or frog dropping will decompose to provide nutrients, or you can use a weak foliar fertilizer. Occasionally the plant may flower after which it will produce young plants, called pups, at the base and then the parent plant will die.

Echeverias are smooth leaved succulents ideally suited to dry terrariums. They form low rosettes close to the ground and are especially attractive when used us foreground planting, or between rocks. Planted in combination with Aloe species they make an interesting display. Like most desert plants Echeverias need bright lighting, and a free draining soil. Although drought tolerant they prefer to be watered as the soil dries out, but before they are completely dry. Unless the terrarium is set up with a deep, bio-active substrate then plants is a dry terrarium are best kept in their pot, which is then disguised with substrate and decor. This allows the plants to be watered as necessary without making the whole substrate too damp.

a natural cork bark item that looks great in any vivarium and provides hiding and climbing areas for your pets.

Air plant supplied in mesh pocket with header card. Airplants need to be kept at a temperature of above 8 degrees Centigrade, in a draft free environment.

They can be dunked into rain water once a week, and then shaken gently to remove residual water and fed with a propritary air plant fertilizer. they proivide long lasting natural decor for vivariums and terrariums and can be attached to vines, stones, trunks, in fact almost anything for a naturalistic finish.

a natural cork bark item that looks great in any vivarium and provides hiding and climbing areas for your pets.

Phrases like 'Terrascaping', 'Bio-Active' and 'Living Terrariums' are becoming more and more common in the world of reptile and amphibian care, as keepers become more aware of the benefits of creating a living ecosystem for their pets.

Apart from the aesthetic appeal of a planted terrarium there are some very real, tangible benefits for the animals. Living plants provide natural cover and climbing perches, shade, basking sites and maintain natural humidity. Just as live plants in an office can improve workers well-being, live plants in a terrarium will have the same effect for animals.

But not all plants are suitable for terrarium use and it is important to not only choose the correct plants for the environment but also to select species or varieties that do not grow too large. Many houseplants for sale appear suitable when they are small specimens in a garden centre, but given time they may end up as giants that overwhelm a terrarium.

ProRep are delighted to introduce a comprehensive range of live plants. These are not just small houseplants but are a selected range of species that are ideally suited to the terrarium, including some of the more unusual or rare types. They have carefully selected the range so that there are plants to suit all habitats and growth patterns. There are succulents for arid environments, bromeliads, ground cover plants and epiphytes for jungle setups as well as aquatic plants and mosses.

Whatever the environment you're trying to re-create, you will be able to use live plants to suit.

Aloe squarrosa

Aloes are great plants for arid terrariums. Their interesting leaf shapes and growth habits make them ideal for adding interest to a planting arrangement. The leaves are often armed with spines so care should be taken when using them with larger species of animals. Aloes need bright lighting and a well drained soil which prevents the roots rotting. Their leaves are designed to store water and so they are tolerant of occasional drying out, but this should be avoided if possible. They prefer to be watered as the soil dries out, but before they are completely dry. Unless the terrarium is set up with a deep, bio-active substrate then plants is a dry terrarium are best kept in their pot, which is then disguised with substrate and decor. This allows the plants to be watered as necessary without making the whole substrate too damp.

Air plant supplied in mesh pocket with header card. Airplants need to be kept at a temperature of above 8 degrees Centigrade, in a draft free environment.

They can be dunked into rain water once a week, and then shaken gently to remove residual water and fed with a propritary air plant fertilizer. they proivide long lasting natural decor for vivariums and terrariums and can be attached to vines, stones, trunks, in fact almost anything for a naturalistic finish.

Commonly called Wandering Jew this pretty creeper brings some colour to the terrarium. It needs bright light to maintain its colour and high humidity. The soil needs to be evenly damp and well drained so that the roots are not permanently wet. Occasional drying out will be tolerated but should be avoided if possible. It forms low creeping carpets and is ideal for ground or wall cover.

Although similar in appearance to Aloes, Harworthia has shorter leaves and a more upright growth habit and attractively spotted leaves. They propagate by forming offshoots and can develop into large clumps. Like most desert plants Harworthia needs bright lighting, and a free draining soil but this species will tolerate some shade. Although drought tolerant they prefer to be watered as the soil dries out, but before they are completely dry. Unless the terrarium is set up with a deep, bio-active substrate then plants is a dry terrarium are best kept in their pot, which is then disguised with substrate and decor. This allows the plants to be watered as necessary without making the whole substrate too damp.

Air plant supplied in mesh pocket with header card. Airplants need to be kept at a temperature of above 8 degrees Centigrade, in a draft free environment.

They can be dunked into rain water once a week, and then shaken gently to remove residual water and fed with a propritary air plant fertilizer. they proivide long lasting natural decor for vivariums and terrariums and can be attached to vines, stones, trunks, in fact almost anything for a naturalistic finish.

An interesting 'fern style' plant closely related to the vegetable asparagus. Supplied in a 12cm pot.