Hibiscus

[Bizzle90]

So, I'm considering an hibiscus for the center of my tank, and have a few questions.

Do I need a special bulb to keep it alive?
Do I just cut branches off it to make it smaller (if it's bought too large)
Ficus or Hibiscus - what's easier to care for, and will fill up the tank better?

Thanks

 

[repsol153]

i use a hibiscus in my 24x24x28. you can go to lowes and get a special bulb. heres the link. http://www.lowes.com/pd_66826-3-148...currentURL=/pl__0__s?Ntt=grow+bulb&facetInfo=. As for cutting the branches I'm really not all that sure. I believe that you can cut them. I just don't know if there is a certain way. hopefully someone else can help you with that. As for whats better. I like the hibiscus. They really make the enclosure look nice. An my cham is actually starting to chomp down on the leaves.

 

[carol5208]

Ficus are much easier to keep than Hibiscus because they are not a flowering plant. As for cutting you just take a scissors or pruner and cut where you desire. They grow back where ever you cut them.

 

[JohnnyD]

I have a hard time with indoor hibiscus. I usually have to pull them out and rehab them in real sunlight every few months.

 

[heartben]

i have a gro lux on my enclosure and my hibiscus ended up essentially dying over the course of 4 or so days so.. with my experience i would say not to waste the money unless youve got it to throw around a bit. i happened to find one for 5 dollars so it wasnt a huge deal but i had been considering a bigger 20+ dollar plant. glad i didnt buy one now.

you might have better luck than i did though.

have you looked at schefflera arboricola (dwarf umbrella tree) or pothos? these two have been great for me. initially i didnt want a pothos but the vines make it really nice looking and functional, my cham loves em.

but like i said. if you have the money, try it out.

 

[mbondy]

I hate Hibiscus, they are just so diffuclt and I just don't personally like them but it's because I need a plant that's dumb proof. I take care of chams, not plants!

I have a Schleffera and Ficus. The Schleffera is a good thick plant, I bought mine at Home Depot for $10. I also have a Weeping Fig Ficus that I got for $10, my fischer sleeps in it every night. And $20 for two almost 3 foot plants wasn't too shabby!

 

[repsol153]

I have honestly had no prob with my hibiscus. and it's a big one too. theres ne flowers blooming on it all the time. all u gotta do is keep it under a grow light, and obviously water it.