Potted plants growing mold

emma_5774

Member
I have an 11 month old male nosey faly panther chameleon. He recently came down with a respiratory infection and from what I have read and been told, respiratory infections can happen from improper husbandry or fungus/bacteria growth. I have thermometers in his cage to watch the temperature and humidity. His humidity stays in the 70s and his temperature in his basking spot is 80-85F and 70-75F everywhere else. I have seen some white patches in the dirt but I scoop it out and throw it away. I change the dirt in early october. I use organic all natural dirt so there isn't anything added into it and its just dirt. Do I need to change out the dirt more frequently? Is there a way to prevent stuff from growing in the plants?
 
I haven't seen this in my encloser. I can only guess to much moisture in the soil. I put small river rock in the bottom, then some sand and finally organic potting soil so they have good drainage. @Gingero will know a lot more about this.
 

Attachments

  • potting setup.jpg
    potting setup.jpg
    65 KB · Views: 54
Last edited:
Definitely not from the dirt IMO. Many of us use uncovered soil/bioactive and mold pops up usually as the soil is establishing with bacteria. It’s harmless. Mold/fungi is everywhere in the wild as well.

RI is almost always caused by improper husbandry and/or poor air exchange. So you may see mold from poor air exchange, but the mold isn’t necessarily the cause for the RI. It’s from the stress+perfect conditions for bacterial growth in the lungs.

I’d suggest filling out the help form and see if there’s anything we can help adjust with your care 👍
 
Definitely not from the dirt IMO. Many of us use uncovered soil/bioactive and mold pops up usually as the soil is establishing with bacteria. It’s harmless. Mold/fungi is everywhere in the wild as well.

RI is almost always caused by improper husbandry and/or poor air exchange. So you may see mold from poor air exchange, but the mold isn’t necessarily the cause for the RI. It’s from the stress+perfect conditions for bacterial growth in the lungs.

I’d suggest filling out the help form and see if there’s anything we can help adjust with your care 👍
thank you! where can i find the help form?
 
Just copy and paste with your answers. :)
Chameleon Info:
  • Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
  • Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
  • Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
  • Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
  • Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
  • Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
  • History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.

Cage Info:
  • Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
  • Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
  • Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
  • Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
  • Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
  • Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
  • Location - Where are you geographically located?

Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

--------------

Please Note:
  1. The more details you provide the better and more accurate help you will receive.
  2. Photos can be very helpful.
 
Back
Top Bottom