Quick question...is this potting soil ok?

[Big Gulp]

http://foxfarmfertilizer.com/index.php/item/ocean-forest-potting-soil.html

I'm getting ready to repot a plant for my veiled cage. The guy at the greenhouse said there "shouldn't" be any fertilizers in it. On the bag it says natural and organic.

(not sure I like the bat crap and worm casings in it tho...lol)

 

[Carlton]

http://foxfarmfertilizer.com/index.php/item/ocean-forest-potting-soil.html

I'm getting ready to repot a plant for my veiled cage. The guy at the greenhouse said there "shouldn't" be any fertilizers in it. On the bag it says natural and organic.

(not sure I like the bat crap and worm casings in it tho...lol)

Does it contain perlite or vermiculite? Those light colored crunchy bits. The main concern with concentrated (extended release type) fertilizers is the chance that your cham may decide to eat the soil and poison itself, or that residues are spread on the leaves (that he drinks off of). Cover the surface of the soil with something so your cham can't get at it. Smooth river stones or window screen will work fine.

 

[Big Gulp]

Does it contain perlite or vermiculite? Those light colored crunchy bits. The main concern with concentrated (extended release type) fertilizers is the chance that your cham may decide to eat the soil and poison itself, or that residues are spread on the leaves (that he drinks off of). Cover the surface of the soil with something so your cham can't get at it. Smooth river stones or window screen will work fine.

There is perlite in it. And I do have big river rocks to but on the surface of the soil. I'm just curious if there is fertilizer in the soil (or some that's already in the roots that I can't get off while repotting), can it somehow find it's way thru the vines and into the leaves? And if so, if he munches on the leaves, would it affect him?

 

[Carlton]

There is perlite in it. And I do have big river rocks to but on the surface of the soil. I'm just curious if there is fertilizer in the soil (or some that's already in the roots that I can't get off while repotting), can it somehow find it's way thru the vines and into the leaves? And if so, if he munches on the leaves, would it affect him?

Well, all plants need SOME fertilizing to stay healthy in a pot. "Fertilizer" is a broad term...organic detritus added to the soil is fertilizer. Phosphorus, nitrogen, minerals added to soil will fertilize it, but they are not a problem if you don't use really concentrated types. By the time fertilizers reach the leaves they have been metabolized by the plant...and not toxic. Fertilizers are not the major problem...pesticides or insecticides added by the nursery are. That's why you want to wash your plants and re-pot them before using in a cham cage.

 

[Chameleon Company]

Does it contain perlite or vermiculite? Those light colored crunchy bits. The main concern with concentrated (extended release type) fertilizers is the chance that your cham may decide to eat the soil and poison itself, or that residues are spread on the leaves (that he drinks off of). Cover the surface of the soil with something so your cham can't get at it. Smooth river stones or window screen will work fine.

I see this "river stone" advice here often, and in most cases, it is bad advice. Chameleons naturally eat the soil in their native ranges, especially Madagascar. They also eat bark and other roughage. Such are prime natural sources of vitamins and minerals. While I agree that one does not want their chameleon eating the time-release fertilizer pellets, or vermiculite or perlite, the solution is to add an inch of regular topsoil, or outdoor soil from your own yard, covering the new dirt in the pot, and NOT to somehow deny the chameleon its natural forage. Then just pick waste off the dirt as it is found.

Well, all plants need SOME fertilizing to stay healthy in a pot. "Fertilizer" is a broad term...organic detritus added to the soil is fertilizer. Phosphorus, nitrogen, minerals added to soil will fertilize it, but they are not a problem if you don't use really concentrated types. By the time fertilizers reach the leaves they have been metabolized by the plant...and not toxic. Fertilizers are not the major problem...pesticides or insecticides added by the nursery are. That's why you want to wash your plants and re-pot them before using in a cham cage.

Now this post goes to the value, and non-harmful nature, of "fertilizers" in soil. I put the word in quotes as many folks seem to think that fertilizers are not natural, often considering them in the same thought as pesticides, as you explain.

Good chameleon husbandry INCLUDES good dirt folks.

 

[Jamire]

^Best advice I have read on the forum so far... Thanks! Dirt is good! Fertilizers are good!