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The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) – a versatile terrarium plant for land or water

In my own tanks and those I design for zoos and aquariums, I have long been fond of featuring exposed root systems.  I am also drawn to what used to be termed “shoreline terrariums” – exhibits highlighting shallow water fish and semi-aquatic amphibians, reptiles and invertebrates.  Zoo exhibits are often quite deep and not always equipped with lightinPeace Lilyg that meets the needs of aquatic plants, so water-tolerant land plants often fulfilled my needs.

One species I have come to depend upon is the Peace Lily, a common house plant.  Its genus contains over 40 South American and Southeast Asian species, and the leaves are fairly “generic” in appearance, and so the plant handily fits the themes of a wide range of exhibits.  I prefer the “Mauna Loa” strain, which is readily available and amazingly resilient.

Most Peace Lilies prefer slight shade, but thrive under lights and tolerate fairly dry to wet soil. In my opinion, they really come into their own, terrarium-wise, when planted or suspended in water.  Peace LilyThey thrive for years this way, and send out truly impressive root systems in short order.  Fish, shrimp, crayfish and snails will spend hours foraging among these, and the roots also have a beneficial effect on water quality.  Their intertwined tendrils provide vital shelter to young fishes and shrimp, and lend a stunning look to planted aquariums and terrariums.

As you can see from the accompanying photo, the sturdy leaves function almost as do water lily pads, and easily support the weight of an adult Green Frog.  The other photos depict a Southern Leopard Frog resting on a leaf draped over a stump, and the extensive root system that was formed from one small plant (5 leaves).

Peace Lily

I have even seen Peace Lilies sold for use as totally aquatic plants, but have not tried planting them in this way.

4 comments

  1. avatar

    I AM LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO HELP MY WITH A DILEMMA.MY FATHER RECENTLY PASSED AWAY AND I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE HOME A PEACE LILY,WHICH I READILY DID. I HAVE HAD THE PLANT SINCE DEC.5TH.I WAS WATERING THE PLANT THE OTHER EVENING (SAT.THE 27TH)AND I NOTICED 2 SMALL FROGS IN THE SOIL.WHAT IS GOING ON? CAN YOU PLEASE SEND ME SOME RESPONSE TO THIS ISSUE.IT SCARED ME AS I WAS NEVER EXPECTING TO SEE THAT.THANK YOU

    • avatar

      Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Thanks for your interest in our blog.

      The frogs you have are almost certainly greenhouse frogs, Eleutherodactylus planirostris. Originating on various Caribbean islands, they have become established in greenhouses worldwide, as well as in the wild in Florida and Louisiana, in exactly the manner you have described – by stowing away in plants.

      Unfortunately, they are difficult to maintain in captivity by other than one experienced with small frogs, as they eat only tiny living insects such as fruit flies and newborn crickets.

      I can offer the following suggestions:

      1. Call the herpetology department of your local zoo and ask if they might accept the animals (this is not likely, but worth trying); explain that they are stowaways and not merely unwanted pets – that may arouse some interest.

      2. Log onto the following frog hobbyist sites and see if you might locate a frog keeper nearby who would be willing to take them:
      http://www.frogforum.net/forum.php
      http://www.dartden.com/

      3. As a final resort, see if a local greenhouse might allow you to release the frogs there. They do very well in these situations (as one might expect from their name!).

      If you are interested, I have written about a colony that has become established in a bird exhibit at the Bronx Zoo:
      http://blogs.thatpetplace.com/thatreptileblog/2008/07/18/herp-notes-%e2%80%93-seagoing-frogs-parthenogenic-snakes-and-a-request-for-your-observations/

      You can see a photo and read a bit more at:
      http://nis.gsmfc.org/nis_factsheet.php?toc_id=205

      Please let me know if I can be of any further help.
      Best regards, Frank Indiviglio.

  2. avatar

    Those “lucky bamboos” from Oriental theme stores do great in goldfish/koi ponds. Use ones tall enough to stick out of the water to get a reed marsh effect.

About Frank Indiviglio

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Being born with a deep interest in animals might seem unfortunate for a native Bronxite , but my family encouraged my interest and the menagerie that sprung from it. Jobs with pet stores and importers had me caring for a fantastic assortment of reptiles and amphibians. After a detour as a lawyer, I was hired as a Bronx Zoo animal keeper and was soon caring for gharials, goliath frogs, king cobras and everything in-between. Research has taken me in pursuit of anacondas, Orinoco crocodiles and other animals in locales ranging from Venezuela’s llanos to Tortuguero’s beaches. Now, after 20+ years with the Bronx Zoo, I am a consultant for several zoos and museums. I have spent time in Japan, and often exchange ideas with zoologists there. I have written books on salamanders, geckos and other “herps”, discussed reptile-keeping on television and presented papers at conferences. A Master’s Degree in biology has led to teaching opportunities. My work puts me in contact with thousands of hobbyists keeping an array of pets. Without fail, I have learned much from them and hope, dear readers, that you will be generous in sharing your thoughts on this blog and web site. For a complete biography of my experience click here.
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