cant keep plants alive
- Thread starter Alex21
- Start date
Lazy Boy
Member
Really any fluorescent bulb will work 4500k is more like a fall or warmer color and a 6500k is more spring like or cooler color. CFL bulbs work very well also and sometimes better for light placment. A 6500k 23w CFL will work wonders for your plants. Another problem is really hibiscus thrive in 18hr days and really don't get the light cycle it needs in a cham cage. Can you keep it in there, sure. Will it survive, sure but this is why they just don't thrive in a cham enclosure.
Lazy Boy
Member
schefflera, pothos are very easy and can thrive very well in a enclosure. These two are the most used and for good reason. Just make sure you repot in nonfertilized organic soil (you can use worm casting) and wash the plant really good to make sure you don't put any pesticides or stuff in your cage.
Psychobunny
Avid Member
I know what you mean, I also have a black thumb.
I cant keep any plant alive very long!!!!
I cant keep any plant alive very long!!!!
Chase
Chameleon Enthusiast
Personally I've always used Schefflera; however there are many plants that do fairly well indoors.
I've also had a fair amount of success with Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena reflexa). I would not use just a Dracaena, as there aren't branches for the chameleon to climb on.
When I used to have Hibiscus in the enclosures, I would bring the cage outside in my screen porch, and it really helped. Not only is the chameleon getting natural UV, but so do the plants.
Chase
I've also had a fair amount of success with Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena reflexa). I would not use just a Dracaena, as there aren't branches for the chameleon to climb on.
When I used to have Hibiscus in the enclosures, I would bring the cage outside in my screen porch, and it really helped. Not only is the chameleon getting natural UV, but so do the plants.
Chase
Montium
New Member
Crank up the lighting and make sure you are using a fast draining soil or media. Or mover to easier plants that require less light. Arboricola the dwarf shef grows well indoors. Or if your weather permits you can rotate plants in and out of the enclosure so that they get out side time while the others are inside.
NHenn
Avid Member
I recommend switching your lighting before you give up on the hibiscus. Both you chameleon and especially your hibiscus will love you for giving them the proper lighting. If you don't already have a HO T5 fixture for your UVB bulb I recommend upgrading to a double or quad fixture with an Arcadia UVB bulb and 6.5k daylight bulbs. This will provide your plants and chameleon with full spectrum lighting.
Another alternative you could use is LED lighting. Jungle Dawn LED lighting is perfect for additions to cages to add more daylight lighting. The come is all different sizes so you can place them at different locations on the cage to provide direct lighting for you plants.
Another alternative you could use is LED lighting. Jungle Dawn LED lighting is perfect for additions to cages to add more daylight lighting. The come is all different sizes so you can place them at different locations on the cage to provide direct lighting for you plants.
Pothos seem to thrive , but they work best hung so the vines hang down, I use a file folder holder slightly modified for drainage and hang in the back of the cage, it leaves the bottom empty for easy cleaning. Shefflera also does pretty well with the available light. I have found that you need to rotate the Hibiscus out frequently so I just put them outside for the summer and back in the cage during the winter when they need to come indoors anyway (I live in the Northeast)
