Episode 131: A Tropical Paradise: South American-Themed Greenhouse w/ Zach Porritt

Episode 131: A Tropical Paradise: South American-Themed Greenhouse w/ Zach Porritt

Author: The Reptile Lounge Network March 7, 2025 Duration: 1:45:06

A Tropical Paradise: South American-Themed Greenhouse w/ Zach Porritt | The Retic Lounge #131

In this episode of The Retic Lounge, we sit down with Zach Porritt of @a.life.exotic to explore his incredible South American-themed greenhouse. Zach has created a stunning, self-sustaining ecosystem filled with tropical plants, fish, and reptiles, bringing a slice of the jungle into his own backyard.  

Topics Covered:  
- The vision behind a South American-inspired reptile greenhouse  
- The challenges and rewards of maintaining a living ecosystem  
- How fish, plants, and reptiles work together in a balanced environment  
- Climate control, humidity regulation, and enclosure design in a greenhouse setting  
- The future of naturalistic and bioactive reptile keeping  

Zach’s passion for designing immersive, species-appropriate habitats shines through as he shares what it took to bring this ambitious project to life. Whether you're interested in bioactive enclosures, greenhouse reptile keeping, or just love seeing unique reptile setups, this episode is packed with inspiration and knowledge.  

 Follow the Guests & Hosts:  
- Guest: Zach Porritt - [@a.life.exotic](https://www.instagram.com/a.life.exotic)  
- Hosts:  
  - Nathan - [@katz_reptiles](https://www.instagram.com/katz_reptiles)  
  - Lucas - [@lab_exotics](https://www.instagram.com/lab_exotics)  

 Thanks to Our Sponsors:  
- [Cold Blooded Cafe](https://coldbloodedcafe.com) (Use code REPTILELOUNGE20 for 20% off) - [@cold_blooded_cafe](https://www.instagram.com/cold_blooded_cafe)  
- [AEstoney](https://aestoney.com) for husbandry tools - [@aestoney](https://www.instagram.com/aestoney)  
- [VivTech Products](https://vivtechproducts.com) (Use code RETICLOUNGE23) - [@vivtechproducts](https://www.instagram.com/vivtechproducts)  
- [Heartland Reptiles](https://www.instagram.com/heartland_reptiles) - [@heartland_reptiles](https://www.instagram.com/heartland_reptiles)  
- [Reptile Husbandry Designs](https://www.instagram.com/reptilehusbandrydesigns) (Use code TRL10) - [@reptilehusbandrydesigns](https://www.instagram.com/reptilehusbandrydesigns)  

 Support USARK and USARK Florida:  
- [Join USARK](https://usark.org/memberships) - [@usark_official](https://www.instagram.com/usark_official)  
- [Join USARK Florida](https://usarkfl.wildapricot.org/join-us) - [@usarkfl](https://www.instagram.com/usarkfl)  

 Join The Lounge on Patreon for exclusive content, early episodes, and more:  
[Patreon](http://www.patreon.com/thereticlounge)  

Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the most unique reptile setups out there! Tune in now!


The Retic Lounge is a space for those fascinated by one of the world's most magnificent snakes. This podcast from The Reptile Lounge Network delves into the specifics of reticulated python care, moving beyond basic tips to explore nuanced husbandry practices, the considerations of breeding, and detailed conversations about different locality types and their potential sizes. It's built on conversations, featuring interviews with both newcomers to the hobby and seasoned breeders to share a wide spectrum of experiences and knowledge. The community aspect is central, with live Q&A sessions that address listener questions directly. Whether you're setting up your first enclosure or navigating the complexities of a breeding project, this podcast serves as a gathering point for shared learning and support, all focused on the responsible and passionate keeping of these impressive animals. Tune into The Retic Lounge for detailed discussions that aim to deepen your understanding and connect you with the wider community of retic enthusiasts.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Retic Lounge
Podcast Episodes
Episode 78: 'Tic Talk w/Kagan Andrew #4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:25
Welcome back to another episode of TRL! This is our fourth episode of our 'Tic Talk segment with Kagan and its a great time! We go into topics like your physical health and how it effects keeping, the perfect breeding co…
Episode 77: Species Spotlight | Carpet Pythons with Riley's Reptiles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:55:27
Join Nathan and Lucas as they have Riley Jimison from Riley's Reptiles to discuss one of his favorite species the Carpet Python. Riley is a wealth of knowledge with many species given his time working in the zoological f…
Episode 75: Locality Talk - SELAYARS w/ Chris McVicar [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:32
Lucas and Nathan talk with one of their favorite Breeders in the industry Chris McVicar for the third installment of “Locality Talk”. They dive deep into the Selayer Island and highlight the beauty and excitement of keep…
Episode 74: Public Animal Education w/Tim of Intrepid Exotics [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:29:50
Join Lucas and Nathan for episode 74 of The Retic Lounge where they invite Tim Jackowicz of Intrepid Exotics on to discuss his journey in public reptile education and how he's expanded on his efforts. On top of being suc…
Episode 73: 'TicTalk w/Kagan Andrew #3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:01
Welcome back to another episode of TRL! This is our third episode of our 'Tic Talk segment with Kagan and its a good one! We go into topics like establishing hatchlings, Kagans bioactive setups, Lucas the Partho King???,…
Episode 72: Animal Abuse Amnesia [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:56
In this riveting episode of The Retic Lounge, hosts Nathan Katz and Lucas Bagnara revisit a disturbing chapter from their podcast's past. Five months ago, they bravely exposed the shocking evidence of animal abuse within…
Episode 71: Species Spotlight | Burmese Pythons w/Peach State Pythons [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:49:13
Join Nathan and Lucas as they have Matt Bowers from Peach State Pythons to discuss one of his favorite species the Burmese Python. He discusses their husbandry, the pairings he has done over the years and why now he has…
Episode 70: Giving Your Females A Break [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:25
Lucas and Nathan sit down to discuss the ways and benefits to letting your breeder female take a much needed break from breeding. Join the lounge today for extra TRL!!! www.patreon.com/thereticlounge Find us on Instagram…
Episode 69: Thanksgiving Special | Lounging w/Lucas and Nathan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:08
On this special 69th episode of The Retic Lounge Nathan and Lucas sit down to talk about all their thankful for from this last year and what they are looking forward to in 2024. Join the lounge today for extra TRL!!! www…