What is the correct soil?

MissMeela · Oct 6, 2015

I need some insight into the correct soil for an umbrella plant (Shefflerra).. I thought I wasn't suppose to use a miracle grow type of soil, that is readily available at any store, for the plant I keep in my chameleon's enclosure. So, for me, this means Organic soil is my best bet!? I accidentally "flooded" my plant by allowing the dripper to drip into the plant. Now that I have it all drained out, one of the main branches is trying to die. I'm currently working on getting that growing again. So my question is What is the correct soil/mixture safe enough for my chameleon??

SocialNumb · Oct 6, 2015

For what it's worth I'm using a mixture of equal parts soil, coconut husk and play sand in my Corn Plant. Drains well and keeps moisture for extended periods of time. I'm no expert but it seems to be working. I'm using the same mix in one of my Pothos and I'm using just coconut husk and play sand in the other Pothos. This one is growing fast for whatever reason. I also put dried and ground banana peels and egg shells in the two with soil.

Yeah, you want soil without pesticides and harmful synthetic fertilizers. Some people call that organic but I lot of "organic" things/stuff can be harmful so to me that's just word play.

Again, no expert here. Just reading around and finding what works best. So far it's all good.

MissMeela · Oct 6, 2015

SocialNumb said:
For what it's worth I'm using a mixture of equal parts soil, coconut husk and play sand in my Corn Plant. Drains well and keeps moisture for extended periods of time. I'm no expert but it seems to be working. I'm using the same mix in one of my Pothos and I'm using just coconut husk and play sand in the other Pothos. This one is growing fast for whatever reason. I also put dried and ground banana peels and egg shells in the two with soil.

Yeah, you want soil without pesticides and harmful synthetic fertilizers. Some people call that organic but I lot of "organic" things/stuff can be harmful so to me that's just word play.

Again, no expert here. Just reading around and finding what works best. So far it's all good.

Thanks for your ideas SocialNumb! I'm definitely going to have to try something different, maybe I'll try that! Wish me luck! Lol The plant I need to change the soil is blocked in with the extra sticks I've placed in his cage. Guess I'll have to do some rearranging!

Maki · Oct 6, 2015

This is similar to the question I just posted! If you do change the soil, what would be the best top layer to cover it with?

SocialNumb · Oct 7, 2015

My top layer consist of rocks/stones big enough to block the my cham from eating them or the soil. It also helps keep the moister in.

Oh, MissMeela. I forgot to mention I also put about an inch or two of rocks/stones on the bottom of the pot inside before the soil. The pot itself is sitting on 4 milk bottle caps (anything will do, some people use rocks/pebbles/ect) to allow excess water to flow right through if need be.

Oh, and don't pack the soil/mix/whatever in. That was my number one mistake my first time around. Now I just let it settle on it's own or lightly pat it down if it's a heavy plant.

junglefries · Oct 7, 2015

Use the cheap EcoEarth organic topsoil from Home Depot or Lowes ($1.50 a bag). You can mix in some playsand, organic perlite, or styrofoam pieces to keep from clumping. For nutrients, use banana peels (potassium) and crushed egg shells. Easy peasy.

GrimCamel · Oct 7, 2015

Maki said:
This is similar to the question I just posted! If you do change the soil, what would be the best top layer to cover it with?

I cover my soil with alive moss. Not the kind you buy in pet stores, I don't know how well fused that one is, just in case the cham would miss and get some moss stuck. I use large pieces and haven't had any trouble cleaning but I guess, If my cham would get diarrhea that would be another story xD

What is the correct soil?

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