Live plants

[BDKuhn40]

I would like to get some live plants for my terrarium but I was wondering which ones are safe and how to prepare them to go into the enclosure.

I hear that bromeliads and pathos and hibiscus are good plants what others work and how would you prepare them to go into the terrarium so they don't hurt the chameleon with toxins.

Thank you so much

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the forums. What kind of chameleon do you have? Any pictures of him and his enclosure. I have a section in my blog for new keepers on plants and how to prepare them for your enclosure. I'll attach it below.
https://www.chameleonforums.com/blo...-keepers-young-veiled-panther-chameleons.html

 

[junglefries]

The pothos, hibiscus and umbrella plants fare really well. All serve their own purpose. The pothos and hibiscus flowers can all be chewed and eaten. The umbrella and hibiscus are sturdy and large. Ficus is used also, but the sap worries me. All will raise the RH%, which is a good side effect. Live plants = happy & healthy chameleon.

 

[BDKuhn40]

The pothos, hibiscus and umbrella plants fare really well. All serve their own purpose. The pothos and hibiscus flowers can all be chewed and eaten. The umbrella and hibiscus are sturdy and large. Ficus is used also, but the sap worries me. All will raise the RH%, which is a good side effect. Live plants = happy & healthy chameleon.

Thank you so much for that information as I didn't know pathos actually flowered. I love hibiscus but they are tricky and with our temps here over 100 degrees it can be tough keeping them alive and they grow so fast.

If I get a pathos should I get one from an actual nursery and avoid places like Home Depot and the like?

I really appreciate your information as it has been very help to me a my juvie is exploring his cage a lot more now!

 

[Carlton]

Thank you so much for that information as I didn't know pathos actually flowered. I love hibiscus but they are tricky and with our temps here over 100 degrees it can be tough keeping them alive and they grow so fast.

If I get a pathos should I get one from an actual nursery and avoid places like Home Depot and the like?

I really appreciate your information as it has been very help to me a my juvie is exploring his cage a lot more now!

Plants from either source could have been treated with systemic pesticides, anti fungals, etc. If you get the plant from a nursery they may know WHAT exactly they've been sprayed or treated with. The average employee at a big box home store is probably totally clueless. Regardless, the rule of thumb is to wash the foliage down well with soap and water and rinse well. Repot the plant to get rid of any added soil chemicals.

 

[junglefries]

The pothos doesn't flower. The leaves are edible. Veil chameleons love to eat the flowers from the hibiscus. Every cage should have one pothos combined with a hibiscus or umbrella plant. Always repot newly bought plants. I keep them for at least 2 months before introducing them into a cham's cage. Eggs shells and banana peels make for a great natural fertilizer.