Highest Temperature for a Heli?

[sarracenialover]

I was planning to grow a Heliamphora heterodoxa x minor in my terrrarium. However, in summer temperatures always go up to around 87 and only drop 5 degrees F. Will the heli "survive" in these conditions? My plan was to help it grow during winter (since it is the coolest temp) and for it to slow down in growth in summer.

[wadave]

Hi SenLiCheng,

My heli's have been through many days over 40 deg C here in Perth, Western Australia.

The nights can be anywhere up in the 30 deg C range during the summer and rarely fall below 20 deg C.

I think their tolerance to high temps is very under rated so long as you ensure they get plenty of overhead water and the humidity is high with lots of air movement. They actually seem to appreciate this and grow very quickly for me.

Mine are in a greenhouse so my conditions may not be reproducable for a terarium.

I simply wanted to share what my guys go through so people don't get too concerned about how hot they get but how best to provide cool water, humidity and air movement during the days with high temps.

Exposure to real sunlight vs artificial light may also have a big influence on how tough they are with hostile conditions compared to their natural habitat.

I hope that helps.

Dave.

[Brian Barnes]

Hi SenLiCheng,

Firstly, that's a great choice to get started with... H. heterodoxa x minor is a tough, robust and vigorous grower. Although I've never had my Helis over 83F, I'm sure that the mentioned hybrid would do just fine at slightly higher temps. Keeping the media as cool as possible during high temps is important, along with humidity above 60%

Happy Growing,

Brian