Is a coco fiber planter bad for a chameleon?

Jonah S

New Member
I am setting up Larry's new enclosure and I got one of those hanging baskets that is lined with coco fibers. Before I unpot his plant and move it into the basket (which would result in him being pissy at me...again) I figured I would ask to see if their are any negatives for that. The bowl is pretty big and would allow for Larry to move around in it and the plant should be able to fit in it just fine.

The basket is wire so if the coco fiber bowl is a bad idea I can just take that out and place his plant in the wire basket. It would pretty much serve the same purpose, he might be able to fall through the spacing though for the moment.

Its almost identical to this:
HBcocobskt_630x450.jpg
 
The only thing I see is that maybe if it's constantly wet from misting it's a perfect place for mold to grow on and smell. So perhaps that's something to consider? Otherwise I don't see anything wrong with it.
 
The only thing I see is that maybe if it's constantly wet from misting it's a perfect place for mold to grow on and smell. So perhaps that's something to consider?

Its coco fiber, not much different than the dirt it will hold. I would not be concerned about mold anymore than with any other pot. Just like any other enclosure it should dry out in between mistings.
 
Its coco fiber, not much different than the dirt it will hold. I would not be concerned about mold anymore than with any other pot. Just like any other enclosure it should dry out in between mistings.

Yea, you're probably right. I take that back then!
 
I think that looks like a good idea, since it's relatively lightweight compared to a ceramic or other type of pot. I've been wanted to add a hanging plant or two, so maybe I'll try that myself. Thanks for the idea!
 
Glad to hear there is positive input. I should have pictures within the next day or two of the enclosure and the setup I have going. I can't wait to have larry in his new home :)
 
resists mold

Coconut fiber (coir) is highly resistant to mold and bacteria growth naturally which is why it is used in planting applications.

I have also read that it is a good material to line side screens with in a cham cage so they have better climbing than the screen and prevents stress from to much motion outside their cage.
 
Coconut fiber (coir) is highly resistant to mold and bacteria growth naturally which is why it is used in planting applications.

I have also read that it is a good material to line side screens with in a cham cage so they have better climbing than the screen and prevents stress from to much motion outside their cage.

Wow that's good to know. Seems like a fantastic way to keep the humidity up too in a cage for a Jackson's, for example.
 
Wow that's good to know. Seems like a fantastic way to keep the humidity up too in a cage for a Jackson's, for example.

I buy coco fiber at every show we do from the coco man. :D I don't know the official name of his business. It is in a number of different enclosures and laying bins.
 
I know Elisa uses coco fiber in her cages sometimes to keep humidity up for certain species. She uses it on one, two or three walls.
 
looks good

I sell a lot of these coco liners, and they usually hold up pretty well for a couple of years. Usually these baskets are used outside for annuals, but should be fine inside too. You can cut slits in the liner on the sides and undersides and plant small plants through the slits so that there is foliage on all sides.

Just a side note: coco fiber is used in pad-and-fan greenhouse coolers, and they definitely DO grow molds and bacteria. In fact, they area a major health threat to greenhouse workers if not properly maintained and replaced regularly.
 
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