Repotting absolutely necessary?

[Big Gulp]

So I know most people says you must repot a plant before you put it into your reptile's enclosre. And I always have. My problem is they never look the same/as nice once I get my fingers (thumbs) on them.

I've read a few time that you can keep them potted the way they were when you bought them, you just have to dig away a few inches off the top of the soil, and replace with other non-fertilized soil/coco fiber.

If I do this, and add river rocks on top of the soil, with that be ok? I'd wash the leaves off of course and then wait a week or so before I put it in the enclosure.

Thanks!

 

[sandrachameleon]

If there are insecticides or fungicides in the soil, those can carry up into the leaves. Not an issue if your cham is not a vegetation eater. Should still wash the leaves (both sides) as the cham will likey drink off the leaves and bugs may chew leaves. Cover the soil well with a piece of landscape cloth and big rocks ontop of that.

 

[Big Gulp]

Thank you.

 

[Decadancin]

The main reason I suggest to re-pot the plant is that you may inadvertently invite some pests into your enclosure. I have seen ants, centipedes, scorpions and even other lizards inside the containers. I also like to add some sand into the soil for additional drainage. The soil seems to get packed down and soggy with the mistings.

 

[MSAquatics]

If you're purchasing a ficus sp., it's a good idea for the survival of the plant, to wash all the soil off of the roots, and repot it in a very good draining soil. I use miracle grow and mix perlite into it at a 3:1 ratio. Then cover the top with landscaping cloth and rock. Miracle grow is irradiated so it's free of pests.

 

[sandrachameleon]

The main reason I suggest to re-pot the plant is that you may inadvertently invite some pests into your enclosure. I have seen ants, centipedes, scorpions and even other lizards inside the containers. I also like to add some sand into the soil for additional drainage. The soil seems to get packed down and soggy with the mistings.

This is a good point. I've never had such things with my plants, but it could happen

 

[Big Gulp]

Thanks everybody.

Can somebody post a link to the exact Miracle Grow I should use? I was looking at some at Home Depot, and the guy said all Miracle Grow has fertilizer in it. I didn't believe him, but what do I know?

As far as sand goes, what kind? And do you put it on the bottom of the plant holder or actually mix it in the soil? For perelite, is that bought separate, or can you buy soil that already has it in?

This is for a pothos BTW. My shefflera I repotted with coco fiber and put some aquarium gravel on the bottom to help with drainage. Not sure if that works or not. The plant seems to be doing soso. ANd I've been noticing some cunks out of the leaves. Will veiled eat shefflera plant leaves?

 

[Big Gulp]

Thanks everybody.

Can somebody post a link to the exact Miracle Grow I should use? I was looking at some at Home Depot, and the guy said all Miracle Grow has fertilizer in it. I didn't believe him, but what do I know?

As far as sand goes, what kind? And do you put it on the bottom of the plant holder or actually mix it in the soil? For perelite, is that bought separate, or can you buy soil that already has it in?

This is for a pothos BTW. My shefflera I repotted with coco fiber and put some aquarium gravel on the bottom to help with drainage. Not sure if that works or not. The plant seems to be doing soso. ANd I've been noticing some cunks out of the leaves. Will veiled eat shefflera plant leaves?

Anybody?

 

[MSAquatics]

I use miracle grow potting mix.