Is this plant safe?

M

merlinthechameleon1

New Member
Hello! I am new to the forum but wanted to make a post, so if I'm doing anything wrong please tell me. I recently rescued a chameleon from a bad situation. All the care was wrong and he (who turns out to be a she) was very underweight. I have been working to nurse her back to health, and I recently bought her a new cage. I heard that live plants are the best, but I can't find any near me. I found a ficus benjamina on etsy and was wondering if it was safe, or if you think I should put in fake plants until spring. Also, I heard you have to repot it in safe soil. Anybody know a good brand that is safe? Any advice is appreciated. Thanks! Etsy link: https://www.etsy.com/listing/554138094/live-ficus-benjamina-green-aka-weeping
 
If I remember correctly that if the beaches are broken it has a milky sap that can irritate the chameleon. I believe it's the eyes it affects.
 
There are ficus that are safe though. Also pothos and umbrella plants are the most common. Hibiscus are also great.
 
renzo0684 said:
There are ficus that are safe though. Also pothos and umbrella plants are the most common. Hibiscus are also great.
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I had read somewhere on this forum that only some types of umbrella plants and pothos are safe. Can I still use this as long as the branches don’t break, or should I try to find an umbrella plant?
 
merlinthechameleon1 said:
I had read somewhere on this forum that only some types of umbrella plants and pothos are safe. Can I still use this as long as the branches don’t break, or should I try to find an umbrella plant?
Click to expand...
I would go with a plant that has no chance of any harm. You don't want to risk it.
 
renzo0684 said:
I would go with a plant that has no chance of any harm. You don't want to risk it.
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Okay, thanks!
Decadancin said:
https://www.chameleonforums.com/plants/Ficus-benjamina.1/

Here's some info...
Click to expand...
For some reason I can't get onto that website.

JacksJill said:
try this link https://www.chameleonforums.com/care/plants/
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That website has ficus benjamina on it. Can I use it then? I thought they weren't safe after previous replies.
 
merlinthechameleon1 said:
For some reason I can't get onto that website.
Click to expand...

Sorry, I forgot, I'll cut and paste for you... This is something we are currently working on and isn't totally ready yet...

General:
Ficus benjamina is a very popular indoor house and office plant. Once settled, it can easily deal with most indoor conditions and live for many years. Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig, is very common among chameleon keepers. Most chameleon enthusiasts are currently using this plant or have in the past. This is a good base plant and can provide the main structure for an average chameleon enclosure. The plant's branches grow densely, providing shade and cover. New growth is not as strong as schefflera or hibiscus.
Light:
Ficus Benjamina grows best when under bright indirect light, but can handle greater intensities when the humidity is high(2/3). While the plant can handle temperatures reaching 100F+, it does best between 70F and 85F. The leaves of the weeping fig are very sensitive to changes in light. When moved this plant will often drop most of its leaves, eventually replacing them with new leaves that are better adapted to the new light conditions.
Water:
Weeping fig is a tropical plant, and does best under medium to high humidity levels. However, this is a highly adaptable plant and is known for doing well in dryer areas (indoors). The watering requirements are average (2/3). Keep the soil moist; water when the topsoil is dry. Like many other plants, proper drainage is important. If the roots become soaked they can rot, eventually killing the plant. Do not let the plant sit in a filled water saucer.
Toxicity:
Ficus benjamina is slightly toxic and does contain an irritant worth mentioning. The leaves contain a sap that can cause skin and eye problems. Caution should be used with chameleons that are known to be big plant eaters (2/3).
 
Many keepers use ficus benjamina. It isn't used as much as the others because it doesn't do well without proper lighting. You may have to buy two and rotate them out of the cage and next to a sunny window to have them live. I wouldn't prune one and put it back in the cage until the cuts seal and dry.
Using an organic potting soil is recommended so you don't have harsh fertilizers or pesticides draining out of the pot. Rinse the entire plant well before use. I cover the soil on mine with window screen and rocks lager than my chams head to prevent soil ingestion and burrowing insects.
 
Decadancin said:
Sorry, I forgot, I'll cut and paste for you... This is something we are currently working on and isn't totally ready yet...

General:
Ficus benjamina is a very popular indoor house and office plant. Once settled, it can easily deal with most indoor conditions and live for many years. Ficus benjamina, or weeping fig, is very common among chameleon keepers. Most chameleon enthusiasts are currently using this plant or have in the past. This is a good base plant and can provide the main structure for an average chameleon enclosure. The plant's branches grow densely, providing shade and cover. New growth is not as strong as schefflera or hibiscus.
Light:
Ficus Benjamina grows best when under bright indirect light, but can handle greater intensities when the humidity is high(2/3). While the plant can handle temperatures reaching 100F+, it does best between 70F and 85F. The leaves of the weeping fig are very sensitive to changes in light. When moved this plant will often drop most of its leaves, eventually replacing them with new leaves that are better adapted to the new light conditions.
Water:
Weeping fig is a tropical plant, and does best under medium to high humidity levels. However, this is a highly adaptable plant and is known for doing well in dryer areas (indoors). The watering requirements are average (2/3). Keep the soil moist; water when the topsoil is dry. Like many other plants, proper drainage is important. If the roots become soaked they can rot, eventually killing the plant. Do not let the plant sit in a filled water saucer.
Toxicity:
Ficus benjamina is slightly toxic and does contain an irritant worth mentioning. The leaves contain a sap that can cause skin and eye problems. Caution should be used with chameleons that are known to be big plant eaters (2/3).
Click to expand...

Okay, thanks for that. Do you guys think I should try a different plant or stick with it? I’m not sure if my chameleon is a plant eater as she’s never had live plants.
 
If she is a veiled then she will likely nibble on the plants. Golden Pothos are common for enclosures and widely considered safe, but for more sturdy climbing I'd go with Schefflera Arboricola...

General:
Schefflera arboricola is frequently used with captive chameleons and is available at most nursuries. The dwarf shcefflera, a common name for this plant, is often used as a house plant or outdoor shrub. Although native to the Taiwanese tropics, another common name for this plant is the Hawaiin Schefflera.
Light:
The Dwarf Schefflera prefers high levels of light, but can adapt to a variety of light intensities (2/3). It does best in temperatures ranging between 65 and 85F.
Water:
The Dwarf Schefflera is a tropical plant that loves humidity. Water moderately and on a regular basis; keep moist, allowing the surface soil to dry slightly between waterings. The plant can handle short droughts, but it is best not to allow the plant to completely dry out. These plants do not like to sit in water, and after time the roots and overall plant will suffer. Do not allow the plant to sit in a filled water saucer (2/3).
Toxicity:
Schefflera arboricola has a very low toxicity level when eaten. Large amounts of the plant would have to be consumed to be of concern to most chameleons. Caution should be used when using this plant with a chameleon that is known to be a big plant eater (2/3).
 
Decadancin said:
If she is a veiled then she will likely nibble on the plants. Golden Pothos are common for enclosures and widely considered safe, but for more sturdy climbing I'd go with Schefflera Arboricola...

General:
Schefflera arboricola is frequently used with captive chameleons and is available at most nursuries. The dwarf shcefflera, a common name for this plant, is often used as a house plant or outdoor shrub. Although native to the Taiwanese tropics, another common name for this plant is the Hawaiin Schefflera.
Light:
The Dwarf Schefflera prefers high levels of light, but can adapt to a variety of light intensities (2/3). It does best in temperatures ranging between 65 and 85F.
Water:
The Dwarf Schefflera is a tropical plant that loves humidity. Water moderately and on a regular basis; keep moist, allowing the surface soil to dry slightly between waterings. The plant can handle short droughts, but it is best not to allow the plant to completely dry out. These plants do not like to sit in water, and after time the roots and overall plant will suffer. Do not allow the plant to sit in a filled water saucer (2/3).
Toxicity:
Schefflera arboricola has a very low toxicity level when eaten. Large amounts of the plant would have to be consumed to be of concern to most chameleons. Caution should be used when using this plant with a chameleon that is known to be a big plant eater (2/3).
Click to expand...
Yes, she is a veiled. Would this plant be safe? https://www.etsy.com/listing/568140...sao7t6Un4ho_IZg8yLu1Tj4TtioO9ILYaAoe8EALw_wcB
 
merlinthechameleon1 said:
Okay! Thank you so much! I’m going to go ahead and order a few of those now.
Click to expand...

That link shows a pretty small plant, you might want to check some local home improvement stores if you have any. A much larger one would likely cost about $10 and you could pick out the nicest one!
 
Decadancin said:
That link shows a pretty small plant, you might want to check some local home improvement stores if you have any. A much larger one would likely cost about $10 and you could pick out the nicest one!
Click to expand...
When checking out that one I did manage to find a larger one and ordered it instead. Thanks!
 
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