Is a ficus plant necessary???

[BayChams]

hi guys!
So I went to a petshop that sells chameleons, and they told me that a ficus is NECESSARY for my chameleon, but since you can't really trust petshops, I decided to ask you guys first before buying a ficus. So what do you think?

 

[guanagator]

I don't use them for any of my set ups or plan on it. Just not my favorite plant, you have plenty of other options most popular probably pothos and umbrella plants.

 

[BayChams]

Ok great! I do have a pothos in my cage, plus the two other plants, so I guess it's fine. It's just that my chameleon was trying to eat a plastic plant, which was kind of funny...

 

[jpowell86]

A ficus is not necessary. It is a great plant to keep in your chameleon's enclosure though. That particular pet shop is misinformed. Maybe what they were trying to stress is that live plants are can be an essential part of your enclosure. I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt. lol

 

[BayChams]

Ok thanks!!!

 

[BayChams]

By the way, what types of fruits can I give to my veiled? And how small should I cut the pieces? Thanks!

 

[MissLissa]

If ficus was necessary, I'd never have any chams: I can keep ultra-sensitive orchids alive, but I kill ficus dead! I use pothos, ferns, orchids, bromeliads, etc, instead, and it works just fine! Just make sure the plants you use are 100% non-toxic as some chams love to chew on them.

 

[BayChams]

Thanks again

 

[jpowell86]

Papaya and Banana are some of my Veiled's favorites. During the summer when I grow my hibiscus out for them to eat, I will cover some of the leaves in pureed fruit. Some people use organic baby food too.

 

[BayChams]

Ok, great to know! Thanks all!