Live ficus in cage!?

[Psychobunny]

So I have this nice ficus plant from Kammerflange (thanks folks) and was about to put it in my cage for my future male panther (also from Kammerflange), then I remembered something that always happens when I have any kind of house plant; fungus gnats!!!

I know this plant is organic grown, and special for reptile cages, but I really worry about all those tiny parasites living in the soil.

Every time I have had plants in my house (any kind of plant) I always get an infestation of fungus gnats!!
I have tried ALL the "safe" stuff to get rid of them, but none have worked!!

The ONLY thing that does work is this stuff with a pesticide chemical in it. You cant put it on any edible plants, or plants that will be around small animals!!

It's those tiny parasites in the soil which can get into the delicate eyes of chams and cause infections which can kill them if not treated right away.

Does anyone have any thoughts, comments about my concern?

I wonder if there are any satistics of illness rates with live plants compared with fake stuff??!!

I know for sure I would not want to put a plant in my cham cage that has been outside gathering all kinds of little bugs no matter how many times I soap it and re-pot it!!!

Am I just paranoid!!!???

 

[BriAlme]

I would say you are a bit paranoid. I use all live plants in my enclosures and free range setups and have never had a problem with fungus gnats. As long as your plants are well drained and your enclosure has enough time between mistings to dry you should be fine. I believe the positive benefits of live plants outweighs any negative aspects. Helps maintain humidity, release oxygen, more natural for your chameleon.
Don't use any chemical pesticides around your cham, it could potentially kill it.
Many members use live plants with no problems.

 

[Cainschams]

I would say you are a bit paranoid. I use all live plants in my enclosures and free range setups and have never had a problem with fungus gnats. As long as your plants are well drained and your enclosure has enough time between mistings to dry you should be fine. I believe the positive benefits of live plants outweighs any negative aspects. Helps maintain humidity, release oxygen, more natural for your chameleon.
Don't use any chemical pesticides around your cham, it could potentially kill it.
Many members use live plants with no problems.

Agreed.


I have Ficus in my cages along with scheffleras. I had a fungus gnat problem at one point along with root rot. I switched to probably 70% play sand and 30% topsoil in my pots. It drains really well and also dries out quickly. Havent had the gnat problem in quite a few years.