Other Plants
Plants that don't easily fit into our other categories


About These Plants






Plant Size Info
Potted Plants:


Live Mats:


Rooted Portions:

Clippings:


Alocasia amazonica 'Polly'
Elephant's Ear

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Average | 24in | 11-12 | Asia + Eastern Australia | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-frequent Expect To Trim Monthly |
Terrestrial / Plant where it's less likely to block light (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
||
Special Instructions | |||||
This one can grow upward fairly quickly, but can be easily trimmed to fit many 24in tall & larger enclosures. Prune overgrown leaves at their stem's lowest point before they block too much light from passing through to below. |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.


Alsobia dianthiflora
Lace Flower Vine

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 5-6in/ea | 11-12 | Tropical South America | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 6.0-7.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, don't overwater | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium/High (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Infrequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Terrestrial / Vining, Readily spreads (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.
3 Plantlets

3 Plantlets
3in Pot

3in Pot
3 Plantlets

3 Plantlets
3in Pot

3in Pot

Calathea lancifolia
Rattlesnake Calathea


▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | Up to 30in | 11-12 | South America (Brazil) | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 5.5-7.0 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, but don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-Infrequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Terrestrial / Allow space for vertical growth (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.


Ficus benjamina
Weeping Fig

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Average | 50+ Feet! | 11-12 | Asia, Australia, SW Pacific | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to full sun | 6.0-7.5 | Mild, 3:1:2* | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
High Expect To Trim Often |
Terrestrial / Temporary, but can fit for years Plant where it'll have room to grow for awhile |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.
* Fertilizer recommendation from NDSU Extension Serviceext link (We don't grow this one in house!)

Ficus benjamina 'Breeze'
Variegated Weeping Fig

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Average | 50+ Feet! | 11-12 | Asia, Australia, SW Pacific | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to full sun | 6.0-7.5 | Mild, 3:1:2* | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
High Expect To Trim Often |
Terrestrial / Temporary, but can fit for years Plant where it'll have room to grow for awhile |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.
* Fertilizer recommendation from NDSU Extension Serviceext link (We don't grow this one in house!)

Fittonia albivenis
Nerve Plant

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 3-6in High, Spreads | 12 | Tropical South America | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 5.0-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-Frequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Terrestrial / Plant in foreground & allow to spread (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
Red

Red
White

White
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
Red

Red
Pink

Pink
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
White

White
Pink

Pink
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
Red

Red
White

White
Pink

Pink

Hedera helix
Traditional ivy in both Green & Variegated cultivars

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | Vine (20+ft) | 4-9 | Europe, Asia | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to full sun | 5.5-7.0 | Balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Low to High (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Frequent Expect To Trim Monthly |
Terrestrially Planted Vine (See note below!) |
||
Special Notes | |||||
We recommend this plant for live vivariums in only a few situations, and primarily when creating a temperate environment. If you are building a tropical or fairly humid (65%+ R/H) enclosure, there are some better looking options you could consider. Check out our Vines & Trailing Plants page for a bunch of higher-end (but not especially expensive!) alternatives. |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.
Green

Green
Variegated

Variegated
Green

Green
Variegated

Variegated

Hypoestes phyllostachya
Polka Dot Plant

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 12in+ | 11-12 | Madagascar | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Frequent Expect To Trim Monthly |
Terrestrial / Flexible plant which tolerates quite a bit! (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
White

White
Red

Red
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
White

White
Pink

Pink
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
Red

Red
Pink

Pink
Grower's Choice Of Color

Grower's Choice Of Color
White

White
Red

Red
Pink

Pink

Ludisia discolor
Jewel Orchid

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Medium | Size Sample | Zone Sample | Endemic Example | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Lighting Sample | pH Sample | Mild, balanced, bi-weekly | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Low (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Infrequent Expect To Trim Quarterly Or Less |
Terrestrial / (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.


Macodes petola
Jewel Orchid

▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium-High (Any Lighting Kit) |
Leaf Litter, ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Infrequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly/Quarterly |
Terrestrial or Epiphytic Plant in top 1/2in of substrate/leaf litter for best results |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.


Maranta leuconeura
Prayer Plant

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 12in | 12 | South America (Brazil) | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Frequent Expect To Trim Monthly |
Terrestrial / Allow plenty of room to spread (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.
Erythroneura (Red)

Erythroneura (Red)
Massangeana (Green)

Massangeana (Green)
Erythroneura (Red)

Erythroneura (Red)
Massangeana (Green)

Massangeana (Green)

Philodendron ornatum
Velvet Leaf Philodendron

▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Widely Tolerant (Any Lighting Kit) |
Epiphytic or ABG, V1, or V2 (Substrate Kit or Plant Mounting Kit) |
Semi-Infrequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Trailing / Plant high & allow to grow downward (Our Plant Mounting Kit is perfect for this!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.










Platycerium sp.
Staghorn Fern

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Moderate | 36in | 11-12 | SE Asia, Polynesia, SE Australia | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | N/A | Mild, balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
N/A | N/A Remove once too large |
Epiphyte / Mount on background or decor (Our Plant Mounting Kit is perfect for this!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.


Rhaphidophora cryptantha
Shingle Plant


▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy / Medium / Difficult | Size Sample | Zone Sample | Endemic Example | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Lighting Sample | pH Sample | Nutrient Sample | Water Sample | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Low / Medium / High (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-Infrequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
/ (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
To learn more about USDA Zone info, please visit the Plant Hardiness Zone Map. (External Link)
6in Clipping

6in Clipping
3in Pot

3in Pot
6in Clipping

6in Clipping
3in Pot

3in Pot

Rhipsalis ewaldiana
Mistletoe Cactus

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Medium | Trailing (16in+) | 11 | South America (Brazil) | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial to full shade | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep soil moist but airy | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium/High* (Any Lighting Kit) |
Mount epiphytically, or plant terrestrially using any Substrate Kit (ABG, V1, or V2) |
Rare Expect To Trim 1-2X/Year |
Plant high, allow to grow downward (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.


Saintpaulia ionantha
African Violet

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 9in | 11-12 | Tanzania | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial to full shade | 5.5-6.5 | Balanced | Keep soil moist but airy | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Low (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Infrequent Prune spent flowers |
Terrestrial (See note below!) |
||
Special Notes | |||||
African Violets have always been a popular vivarium plant for first-time setups, but there are more appropriate options. Building an enclosure? Check out Alsobia dianthifolia, Saxafraga sarmentosa, or terrarium appropriate Begonias. |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.


Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla Orchid

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Average | 10'+ | 11 | Central + South America | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Filtered sunlight | N/A (Epiphyte) | Mild, balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
High (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-frequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Epiphytic, but can be planted terrestrially (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.








Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ Plant

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 24in | 10-11 | Africa | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 6.0-7.0 | Ultra-Mild, balanced | Widely tolerant | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Widely tolerant (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Depends on enclosure size Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Terrestrial / Grows upward slowly over time (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.


All Plants Below Are Sold Out Or Reserved 






Alocasia amazonica 'Polly'
Elephant's Ear

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Average | 24in | 11-12 | Asia + Eastern Australia | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-frequent Expect To Trim Monthly |
Terrestrial / Plant where it's less likely to block light (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
||
Special Instructions | |||||
This one can grow upward fairly quickly, but can be easily trimmed to fit many 24in tall & larger enclosures. Prune overgrown leaves at their stem's lowest point before they block too much light from passing through to below. |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Alsobia dianthiflora
Lace Flower Vine

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 5-6in/ea | 11-12 | Tropical South America | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 6.0-7.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, don't overwater | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium/High (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Infrequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Terrestrial / Vining, Readily spreads (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Calathea lancifolia
Rattlesnake Calathea


▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | Up to 30in | 11-12 | South America (Brazil) | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 5.5-7.0 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, but don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-Infrequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Terrestrial / Allow space for vertical growth (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Ficus benjamina
Weeping Fig

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Average | 50+ Feet! | 11-12 | Asia, Australia, SW Pacific | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to full sun | 6.0-7.5 | Mild, 3:1:2* | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
High Expect To Trim Often |
Terrestrial / Temporary, but can fit for years Plant where it'll have room to grow for awhile |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.
* Fertilizer recommendation from NDSU Extension Serviceext link (We don't grow this one in house!)

Ficus benjamina 'Breeze'
Variegated Weeping Fig

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Average | 50+ Feet! | 11-12 | Asia, Australia, SW Pacific | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to full sun | 6.0-7.5 | Mild, 3:1:2* | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
High Expect To Trim Often |
Terrestrial / Temporary, but can fit for years Plant where it'll have room to grow for awhile |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.
* Fertilizer recommendation from NDSU Extension Serviceext link (We don't grow this one in house!)

Fittonia albivenis
Nerve Plant

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 3-6in High, Spreads | 12 | Tropical South America | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 5.0-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-Frequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Terrestrial / Plant in foreground & allow to spread (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Hedera helix
Traditional ivy in both Green & Variegated cultivars

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | Vine (20+ft) | 4-9 | Europe, Asia | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to full sun | 5.5-7.0 | Balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Low to High (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Frequent Expect To Trim Monthly |
Terrestrially Planted Vine (See note below!) |
||
Special Notes | |||||
We recommend this plant for live vivariums in only a few situations, and primarily when creating a temperate environment. If you are building a tropical or fairly humid (65%+ R/H) enclosure, there are some better looking options you could consider. Check out our Vines & Trailing Plants page for a bunch of higher-end (but not especially expensive!) alternatives. |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Hypoestes phyllostachya
Polka Dot Plant

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 12in+ | 11-12 | Madagascar | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Frequent Expect To Trim Monthly |
Terrestrial / Flexible plant which tolerates quite a bit! (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Ludisia discolor
Jewel Orchid

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Medium | Size Sample | Zone Sample | Endemic Example | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Lighting Sample | pH Sample | Mild, balanced, bi-weekly | Keep moist, don't over-water | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Low (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Infrequent Expect To Trim Quarterly Or Less |
Terrestrial / (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Macodes petola
Jewel Orchid

▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium-High (Any Lighting Kit) |
Leaf Litter, ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Infrequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly/Quarterly |
Terrestrial or Epiphytic Plant in top 1/2in of substrate/leaf litter for best results |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Maranta leuconeura
Prayer Plant

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 12in | 12 | South America (Brazil) | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Frequent Expect To Trim Monthly |
Terrestrial / Allow plenty of room to spread (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Philodendron 'Autumn'
Autumn Philodendron

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 36in | 11 | N/A (Hybrid) | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Depends on enclosure size Expect To Trim Occasionally |
Terrestrial / Leave plenty of room for slow growth (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Platycerium sp.
Staghorn Fern

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Moderate | 36in | 11-12 | SE Asia, Polynesia, SE Australia | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | N/A | Mild, balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Average (Any Lighting Kit) |
N/A | N/A Remove once too large |
Epiphyte / Mount on background or decor (Our Plant Mounting Kit is perfect for this!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Rhaphidophora cryptantha
Shingle Plant


▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Moderate | 8in+ (Shingling) | Tropical Asia, Africa | |||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Filtered Sunlight | 5.5-6.5 | Balanced | Keep humid, mist daily | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium-High (Any LED Lighting Kit) |
Epiphytic or ABG, V1, or V2 (Substrate Kit or Plant Mounting Kit) |
Rare Requires little trimming |
Epiphyic / Plant low & allow to climb a surface (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
To learn more about USDA Zone info, please visit the Plant Hardiness Zone Map. (External Link)

Rhipsalis ewaldiana
Mistletoe Cactus

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Medium | Trailing (16in+) | 11 | South America (Brazil) | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial to full shade | 5.5-6.5 | Mild, balanced | Keep soil moist but airy | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Medium/High* (Any Lighting Kit) |
Mount epiphytically, or plant terrestrially using any Substrate Kit (ABG, V1, or V2) |
Rare Expect To Trim 1-2X/Year |
Plant high, allow to grow downward (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Saintpaulia ionantha
African Violet

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 9in | 11-12 | Tanzania | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial to full shade | 5.5-6.5 | Balanced | Keep soil moist but airy | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Low (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Infrequent Prune spent flowers |
Terrestrial (See note below!) |
||
Special Notes | |||||
African Violets have always been a popular vivarium plant for first-time setups, but there are more appropriate options. Building an enclosure? Check out Alsobia dianthifolia, Saxafraga sarmentosa, or terrarium appropriate Begonias. |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Vanilla planifolia
Vanilla Orchid

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Average | 10'+ | 11 | Central + South America | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Filtered sunlight | N/A (Epiphyte) | Mild, balanced | Allow to dry slightly before watering | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
High (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Semi-frequent Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Epiphytic, but can be planted terrestrially (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia
ZZ Plant

▾ General Plant Info ▾ | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Difficulty | Adult Size | USDA Zone | Endemic Region(s) | ||
Easy | 24in | 10-11 | Africa | ||
Lighting | Soil pH | Nutrients | Water | ||
Partial shade to filtered sun | 6.0-7.0 | Ultra-Mild, balanced | Widely tolerant | ||
▾ Vivarium Specific Plant Info ▾ | |||||
Vivarium Lighting | Vivarium Substrate | Vivarium Maintenance | Vivarium Placement | ||
Widely tolerant (Any Lighting Kit) |
ABG, V1, or V2 (Any Substrate Kit) |
Depends on enclosure size Expect To Trim Bi-Monthly |
Terrestrial / Grows upward slowly over time (See VC101's Plant Section For Tips!) |
Nutrient data listed for houseplant care only. Additional nutrients are not typically required in properly designed live vivaria.







