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Plant Care & Mounting Supplies

For Bioactive Terrariums & Live Vivariums

About Plant Care

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About Plant Care & Mounting:

Growing Terrarium Moss At 3 Weeks Under NEHERP LEDs

Growing Terrarium Moss At 11 Weeks Under NEHERP LEDs

Growing Terrarium Plants At 6 Weeks Under NEHERP LEDs

Growing Terrarium Plants At 24 Weeks Under NEHERP LEDs

Growth @ ~3 Weeks

Growth @ ~11 Weeks

Growth @ ~6 Weeks

Growth @ ~24 Weeks

Plant Maintenance

Most plants grown in a terrarium will require pruning from time to time, and we've got the tools to get the job done right. Whether you need a pair of plant pruning scissors or a plant propagation scalpel, we've got you covered. Most hobbyists with just one or two enclosures will do just fine using a pair of basic Hanzo Snips, while enthusiasts with larger-scale collections might want to use the heavier duty stainless steel pruners we most often use in-house. In any case, we've done our best to keep our prices some of the lowest out there!

Mounting Terrarium Plants To Custom Backgrounds

Supplies For Mounting Plants To Terrarium Backgrounds

Best Way To Mount Plants To Terrarium Backgrounds

Plant Mounting & Training

Growing plants on backgrounds, wood decor, or other hardscape items can produce spectacularly realistic results within a bioactive terrarium environment. The supplies listed below are the same ones we use to design vivariums in-house, and we're confident you'll have good luck using our gear. Not every plant can be mounted to a background, so please be sure to check our plant pages for specific mounting advice. If a plant is listed as "scandent", it will happily grow upward on a background, and the Floral Mounting wire can help you train the plant to grow in the desired direction. If a plant is listed as "trailing", we'd recommend mounting it up high, and allowing it's leaves to naturally trail downward. Plants listed as "epiphytic" will not require substrate or sphagnum around their roots when they are being mounted, so long as the humidity & moisture levels are appropriate for the plant in question. (The term "epiphyte" describes any plant which typically grows on other plants, instead of in soil) Using the tools & advice found on this page, we're confident you'll be able to achieve the results you are looking for! :-)

Image Galleries:

Gallery: Plants/Flora

Gallery: Custom BGs

Gallery: Heavy Duty BGs

Supporting Articles:

Vivarium Construction 101

Viv Lighting 101: PAR Light

General Plant Care

Cute Farms Exotic Tropical Plant Fertilizer

A natural general-use fertilizer for houseplants

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NEHERP Staff Description:
The Cute Farms brand was recommended to us by a customer, and we've been using it in house since we discovered the brand in 2020. We've had good luck with it for houseplants displayed in our homes & offices, as well as for plants in our grow rooms. It's also cheaper than the (less natural) off-the-shelf sprays at garden centers! The bottle recommends once weekly use, but most we typically only offer nutrients once every 2 weeks at home, since most of the plants we work with have very low nutritional requirements. In our experience, a little bit goes a long way. Try it out, and see what works best for your particular plants!

Note: This product is recommended for houseplant use, not marked for use in live vivariums housing animals.

Manufacturer Description:
Cute Farms is a family owned an operated business. Our plant fertilizer products will help your plants flourish and thrive. Gentle weekly use formula made specifically for growing healthy exotic and tropical plants and flowers including Orchids, Lilies, Ferns, Terrariums, Monstera, Palms, Anthurium, Croton, Dracaena, Dracaena Marginata, and Snake Plants. NPK:.02-.02-.02 Gentle enough to spray directly onto air plants. Includes a fine mist atomizer spray bottle. Each 4oz of solution feeds plants for 3 months.

$12.95/ea 8oz Bottle

9% Off!
$11.78/ea 8oz Bottle

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Inventory is low, but we are expecting a shipment to arrive within 3-5 business days. Order now, and we'll ship as soon as we're able!

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Cute Farms Tillandsia Fertilizer

A natural nutrient spray for Tillandsias

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NEHERP Staff Description
This product was recommended to us by a customer, and we've had good luck using it on our Tillandsias since we discovered the brand in 2020. While we used to mix our own Tillandsia fertilizer, we've now switched over exclusively to using Cute Farms brand. In our experience it seems to work just as well with far less effort for the plants we keep in our store and at our homes, and the price is at least as good as any of the (often less natural) mainstream options. Try it out, and see what works best for your particular plants!

Note: This product is recommended for houseplant use, not marked for use in live vivariums housing animals.

Manufacturer Description
Cute Farms is a family owned an operated business. We offer the best Tillansia air plant fertilizer products in the industry. Our plant fertilizer products will help your plants flourish and thrive. This is a gentle weekly use formula food for Tillandsia plants. Made for air plants with an NPK:.02-.02-.02 Gentle enough to spray directly onto air plants. Includes a fine mist atomizer spray bottle. Each 4oz of solution feeds air plants for 3 months.

Small 4oz Large 8oz

$9.95/ea 4oz Bottle

11% Off!
$8.85/ea 4oz Bottle

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Small 4oz Large 8oz

$12.95/ea 8oz Bottle

5% Off!
$12.30/ea 8oz Bottle

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Fox Farm Fertilizer

A high quality & easy to use organic fertilizer

Fox Farm Fertilizer For Terrarium Plants 4-5-3

Fox Farm Fertilizer For Terrarium Plants 4-3-4

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NEHERP Staff Description:
Finally an organic dry fertilizer that's easy to use & inexpensive! After about a year of use, we've switched our growing operation to using these as our primary sources of nutrients. The 6-4-5 "All Purpose" version is great for most houseplants. The 4-5-3 "Acid Loving" option is great for plants which thrive under mildly acidic conditions. Although the 4-3-4 option is listed as a "Japanese Maple" fertilizer, it's actually the closest thing to a balanced option, which most terrarium appropriate plants prefer. Each fertilizer is OMRI Certified Organic.

Note: This product is recommended for houseplant use, not marked for use in live vivariums housing animals.

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Manufacturer Description:
All Purpose 6-4-5
Happy Frog All-Purpose is a ready-to-use blend of fertilizers and soil microbes that delivers nutrition where your plants need it most. Mycorrhizal fungi are included to help increase root efficiency, which may enhance nutrient uptake and water absorption. Recommended for vegetable gardens, annual and perennial flower gardens, ornamental plantings, and all types of container gardening. OMRI Listed

Manufacturer Description:
Acid Loving 4-5-3
FoxFarm's Acid Loving Plants Fertilizer provides gentle slow-release nutrition for plants that require a low pH. Specifically formulated for use acid loving plants. This blend of fertilizers and microorganisms delivers nutrition where your plants need it most. Mycorrhizal fungi are included to help increase root efficiency, which may enhance nutrient uptake and water absorption. OMRI Listed

Manufacturer Description:
Japanese Maple 4-3-4
Happy Frog Japanese Maple Fertilizer is specifically formulated for use on Japanese maples, lilies, evergreens, hydrangeas, junipers, dogwoods, flowering ornamentals, and other low pH feeders. This unique blend of fertilizers and microorganisms delivers nutrition where your plants need it most. Contains phosphorus and potassium to support the needs of these beautiful trees. Mycorrhizal fungi are included to help increase root efficiency, which may enhance nutrient uptake and water absorption. OMRI Listed

6-4-5
"All Purpose" 4-5-3
"Acid Loving" 4-3-4
"Japanese Maple"

$14.99/ea 6-4-5

15% Off!
$12.74/ea 6-4-5

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6-4-5
"All Purpose" 4-5-3
"Acid Loving" 4-3-4
"Japanese Maple"

$14.99/ea 4-5-3

15% Off!
$12.74/ea 4-5-3

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6-4-5
"All Purpose" 4-5-3
"Acid Loving" 4-3-4
"Japanese Maple"

$14.99/ea 4-3-4

15% Off!
$12.74/ea 4-3-4

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Fox Farm Grow Big Plant Food (6-4-4)

One of the most popular nutrients on the market!

Best Inexpensive Nutrient For Planted Terrariums

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NEHERP Staff Description:
This is the Grow Big concentrate most appropriate for soil-based applications, while the other version is mostly geared toward hydroponic applications. For uninhabited terrariums, we dilute this nutrient to half of what the bottle recommends and apply conservatively. Growth is absolutely spectacular for having such mild contents. A little goes a long way!

Manufacturer Description:
Get your garden going with Grow Big®, our liquid concentrate fertilizer for lush vegetative growth. FoxFarm's special brew is designed to enhance plant size and structure, allowing for more abundant fruit, flower and bud development. It is formulated with a low pH to maintain stability in storage and keep micronutrients available.

$17.99/ea

11% Off!
$15.99/ea

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Makes 32-192 gallons of solution depending on concentrations!

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Measuring Shot Glass

The perfect way to measure-out nutrients & concentrates

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NEHERP Staff Description:
These (real glass) shot glasses marked with measurements for tablespoons, teaspoons, ounces, and milliliters. Use it to measure-out nutrients, cleaners, and other concentrates responsibly. It'll work great for drinks too, just be sure to wash it thoroughly between uses! :-)

(Dishwasher safe!)

$3.49/ea

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Mycorrhizal Fungi Inoculant

An organic living fungi which boosts plant health!

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NEHERP Staff Description
This OMRI organic product contains a live fungi called Rhizophagus intraradices which has been proven to improve plant growth, benefit root development, and help maintain overall plant health. Over time, this fungi's mycelium (root-like structure) will spread through the soil/substrate, where it can capture various nutrients. The fungus also penetrates the cells and roots of the plant, where it passes moisture and nutrients to the plant in a mutualistic exchange for carbohydrates. Both organisms benefit! This is the simplest inoculant we've tested, and has been one of our growing operation's "secret ingredients" for years. It's a great addition for potted plants, planted terrariums, and for those who propagate & grow their own plants. If you've purchased plants from us since 2015, chances are the plant benefited from cooperation with this beneficial organism. (Also how this fungi may already be present in your substrate!) This particular species has been researched back into the 90s for it's benefits in nutrient cycling, and is an extremely well proven solution. At NEHERP, we mix in about 1 cup of inoculant material for every 25-50 gallons of potting soil we make. Check the instructions below, since a little bit goes a very long way! For reference, other names for this species include Rhizophagus intraradices and Glomus intraradices. For more information about how this works, check out Wikipedia's page on AMF^{ext link.}.

Note: Similar products are advertised elsewhere as "Bioactive Soil Additives", "Bioactive Soil Boosters", etc.

Manufacturer Instructions
Direct Application: Add inoculant material directly around plant roots. (Must contact roots) Set plant, backfill, and water.
Containers: 1-2tbsp/1-3 gallon, 4-6tbsp/5-7 gallon, 1/2 cup/10-20 gallon, 1 cup/25-50 gallon, 2 cups/100 gallon
Sowing Seeds / Propagation: 1/2tsp per cell/plug

Manufacturer Description
Being beneficial organisms, mycorrhizae live on the roots of plants and form a symbiotic relationship. They then extend microscopic straw-like filaments called "hyphae" into the soil with which they extract, transport, and dramatically increase a host plant's supply of nutrients and moisture. Pockets of nutrients and water in the soil which were once unreachable by standard root systems are now made accessible through the "super-mining" effects which mycorrhizae gifts to your plants. Mycorrhizae also release a glue-like substance into the soil (Glomalin) which improves water storage and capacity, leading to lower watering costs. Mycorrhizal fungi are ancient in origin and the benefits are boundless. Pound for pound, mycorrhizae provide plants with the greatest possible benefit for the smallest amount of input. Does not contain any other microbes such as trichoderma or ectomycorrhizae, which have no known direct effect on any vegetables, fruits, flowers, or herbs.

100G Pack 1lb Bag

$6.99/ea 100G Pack

20% Off!
$5.59/ea 100G Pack

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100G Pack

100G Pack 1lb Bag

$22.49/ea 1lb Bag

20% Off!
$17.99/ea 1lb Bag

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1lb Bag

Contains non-plant food ingredient(s): Live Rhizophagus intraradices 300 propagules per gram

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Plant Mounting Kit

Our discounted package of plant mounting favorites!

Update 2022+: The 18 textured wires has been updated to 24 standard green mounting wires

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Show Image Captions

Left Image Description:
(Numbered For Reference)
1) Neoregelia mounted with Sphagnum & Mounting Wire
2) Moss, Peperomia, and Tillandsias mounted with picks & Wire
3) Sphagnum Wrapped in NEHERP Moss, attached w/Mounting Wire
4) Dischidia ovata trained to grow along custom background w/picks

Right Image Description:
The red Neoregelias were drilled into the wood decor & secured with wire, and the green Neoregelias were secured using wire disguised with NEHERP Moss. The ferns & (non-slurry) Moss were lightly wrapped around Sphagnum Moss for moisture retention, and each section was pinned using wooden picks. The hanging plants were each wrapped in Sphagnum Moss, and pinned in place by wire clips.

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Our Terrarium Plant Mounting Kit includes everything necessary to get plants placed exactly where you'll want them within an enclosure. The manageable 4in sections of flexible, cuttable mounting wires are ready for immediate use on very large plants, or to be further cut-down & shaped to create mounting & training clips. They are easy to shape by hand, and perfect for every job from mounting large Bromeliads to training ultra-delicate vines & trailing plants onto backgrounds. The small wood picks are free in this pack, and are perfect for pinning plants wrapped in Sphagnum and/or NEHERP moss onto backgrounds, cork decor, tree fern, and more. As simple as it seems, they are a really convenient solution in tough-to-reach backgrounds. We've also included 16oz of dried AAA-Grade New Zealand Sphagnum Moss, which expands significantly in water. These three things are the same we use in-house at NEHERP when we build enclosures, and we're confident that they'll help get your vivarium planted right. For most applications, this pack will last through multiple vivarium builds.

Each Plant Mounting Kit Includes:
• 16oz New Zealand Sphagnum Moss
• 24 4in green floral mounting wires
• 20 wooden picks (Included for free!)

$6.49/ea

20% Off!
$5.19/ea

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Please mount carefully! The ends of the mounting wire will usually be pushed into a surface. If not, please be sure to protect your vivarium's inhabitants by trimming/hiding any sharply cut ends.
Any exposed pointed wood pick ends must also be snipped by hand, with scissors, or with a wire cutter. This product's retail labeling is still in development, and may vary from photo.
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Plant Mounting Line

Clear nylon monofilament line for mounting plants

How To Mount Plant To Terrarium Background

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Above right: Dischidia sulawesii trained to grow up wood decor

NEHERP Staff Description
Orchid and epiphytic plant enthusiasts often use clear nylon fishing line to mount plants to surfaces like cork, tree fern panels, and other surfaces. Our line is a super light gauge which is perfect for plant mounts, training delicate vines, and more. Once a plant has acclimated and grown gripping roots onto the surface, the line can be removed if desired. If this product will be used in an enclosure containing live animals, be sure to not leave any partial loops or gaps behind the lines uncovered for safety.

$4.99/ea

25% Off!
$3.74/ea

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Plant Mounting Picks

Toothpicks are a simple solution for mounting plants to a surface

Mount Terrarium Background Plants With Floral Mounting Picks

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Above right: Pilea glauca, Peperomia sp., and NEHERP Moss mounted using picks

NEHERP Staff Description
One of the easiest methods for mounting plants to a background surface. These are the thicker (square center) picks that won't break as easily as the basic rounded type from a grocery store. (Ours are cheaper, too!) Cut off the ends of the picks once they are inserted into the background to make them as close to invisible as possible. A single pick can be angled into a custom background in an effort to train a plant to grow in a specific location, or two picks can be criss-crossed to box a plant into tricker spots. To illustrate how we've used these in the past, we've included a few freshly planted pictures below. (Click to view)
Example 1 | Example 2 | Example 3

$3.99/ea

15% Off!
$3.39/ea

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Plant Mounting Wire

Our original, super-easy floral mounting solution!

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Our textured floral mounting wire has been used by the hobby since 2010, with popularity increasing every year. Mounting wire can be used to mount many different types of plants to backgrounds, hardscape decor, and more. It's flexible enough to bend by hand, soft enough to cut with sharp scissors (or a wire cutter), and rigid enough to be poked into cork & poly foam backgrounds. It's also ideal for training plants to grow onto certain surfaces, and works great in combination with either of our background kits and included texture mix. Use Sphagnum Moss to wrap the roots of non-epiphytic plants, to allow for plenty of moisture retention. It's green, matte texture blends into backgrounds seamlessly, and can be further disguised with a little NEHERP Moss, if desired. These can naturally break down & dissolve after 10-24 months (depending on humidity), which leaves plenty of time for any plant to grow it's own supporting roots.

Last chance & limited quantities available:
Permanently discontinued by the manufacturer!

$4.99/ea Pack 18 4in Pieces

20% Off!
$3.99/ea Pack 18 4in Pieces

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Precision Cloning Scalpels

For dividing, propagating, and trimming plants

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NEHERP Staff Description
These are the same scalpels we use to propagate plants at the shop. These sterile, disposable scalpels are ideal for clean and accurate cuttings, and can even be used for precise small-scale pruning work. Each scalpel is individually sealed for sterility, and the plastic handle is marked in cm increments to help ensure precise & repeatable cuttings are taken. Each scalpel has its own safety sheath. Available individually, or by the pack of 10 scalpels.

Single 10-Pack

$1.99/ea Single

10% Off!
$1.79/ea Single

This option sold out, others may be available

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Single 10-Pack

$17.99/ea 10-Pack

10% Off!
$16.19/ea 10-Pack

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Precision Pruning Scissors

High quality pruners to take cuttings or keep plants trimmed

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NEHERP Staff Description
Updated for 2023, these are essentially the same Pruning Scissors we've carried for a decade, only for about half the price. These are the same pruners we use in our grow rooms and for our vivarium displays. They are made from surgical stainless steel, and hold up to even our commercial levels of use. The blades are extremely sharp, and strong enough to trim even woody-stemmed terrarium plants with ease. The tip comes to an exceptionally small point, so pruning precise bits off of plants is a cinch. These work right & left handed, are comfortable to use, and feature a blade lock for safety. 9in long, 3.1in wide, 0.3in deep.

~~$11.99/ea~~
New Price: $6.99/ea!

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Having Plant Trouble In A Bioactive Terrarium?

We can help troubleshoot!

Neoregelias Growing In Bioactive Terrarium

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Reviewing the most common causes of plants failing to thrive!

Help Growing Plants In Bioactive Terrarium

Useful Supplies For Growing Plants In Live Vivariums

Best Fertilizers For Bioactive Terrariums

Substrate Analysis
Poor substrate is the #1 cause of premature environmental failure, and one of the most common reasons microfauna & plants fail to thrive. This is a common problem with DIY mixes, as well as other blends which don't actually list ingredients or (at least rough) ratios. A properly designed substrate mix will be quick-draining, slightly acidic, have the ability to resist compaction, and should be able to support microfauna & mycorrhizal fungi long-term. Like the original and most proven ABG Mix, all of our NEHERP Substrates contain a mix with over 80% aggregates like like tree fern fiber, fine fir bark, fine hardwood charcoal, calcined clay, and/or cypress mulch. Low-end mixes have far less aggregate material which contributes to premature compaction and a half-dozen other problems. If you are curious, please learn more about our substrates, or see exactly what we'd recommend for your enclosure.

Best Pest Control For Bioactive Terrariums

Animal Safe Fertilizers For Bioactive Terrariums

Animal Safe Fertilizers for Live Vivariums

Lighting Analysis
One of the most common causes of poor plant performance in bioactive terrariums is poor lighting, and the problem is most commonly found with knock-off or low-end LEDs. Our support department has seen dozens of cleverly marketed "grow lights" which have comparatively poor PAR light performance compared to brands like Current, Jungle Dawn, Jungle Hobbies, and Value Grow. Many LEDs which look the same have major differences in measurable PAR & Lux performance due to better brands using higher-end diodes & drivers. If your lighting didn't come from our company and your plants aren't thriving, we recommend comparing the light source to the solutions we recommend, and checking the PAR output of each. (See PAR ratings of every LED we carry towards the bottom of Vivarium Lighting 101) We've been specializing in this stuff since 2009, and customers who use our lighting solutions have an awesome track record of success.

Other Common Problems
• Our substrates, plants, and microfauna are recommended for environments which will sustain a bare minimum of 55% R/H.
• If you are growing NEHERP Moss or Moss Slurry, please check the care sheets for advice. (High humidity & PAR will be required)
• Be sure to place plants (especially Neoregelias & Tillandsias) appropriately. Check Vivarium Construction 101 for suggestions.
• Ensure custom backgrounds are completely cured before adding plants, since the fumes from uncured silicone can kill plants!
• If your enclosure contains an animal which requires spot cleaning, additional fertilization for plants may be necessary.

Helpful Links:

Supporting Articles:
Vivarium Construction 101
Vivarium Construction 102
Viv Lighting 101: PAR Light
Viv Lighting 101: Light Stats
General Plant Care

Related Product Pages:
Bioactive Substrate Kits Vivarium Lighting Kits Live Plants Menu Plant Kits For Sm. Species Plant Kits for Md. Species

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