RIP Money Tree

[Lucas00-]

My money tree was the perfect water catcher and I just noticed the wood is all soft, root rot. I got a new centerpiece plant on the way now though, a monsters deliciosa. I’ve learned so much about plants in the last few months it’s amazing.

 

[MissSkittles]

Make sure to give your new plant a good drainage layer in the bottom of the pot to avoid root rot. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes too. Just about every plastic pot that I’ve bought I’ve had to drill drainage holes thru.

 

[Lucas00-]

Make sure to give your new plant a good drainage layer in the bottom of the pot to avoid root rot. Make sure the pot has adequate drainage holes too. Just about every plastic pot that I’ve bought I’ve had to drill drainage holes thru.

I think I’m going to buy some of those terracotta clay balls for the bottom of my next one and others in the future, never used them before but heard good stuff about them.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

I would look into Schefflera species (family Araliaceae) if you are fond of Money Tree's. Scheffleras look similar to Money Tree's. However I think they are more resilient to moisture.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[GrannyK]

Same problem here! I’m going to look into that Araliaceae to replace it. I should have known poor thing didn’t have a chance in my parsons enclosure.

 

[Motherlode Chameleon]

Same problem here! I’m going to look into that Araliaceae to replace it. I should have known poor thing didn’t have a chance in my parsons enclosure.

I have found that Calumma parsonii parsonii are gentle with plants. Chamaeleo calypatratus are the plant monsters and take a bite out of all things that are plants. Calumma parsonii parsonii require plants that have large circumference branches though to withstand Calumma parsonii parsonii size.

Best Regards
Jeremy A. Rich

 

[MissSkittles]

Chamaeleo calypatratus are the plant monsters and take a bite out of all things that are plants.

I keep a back up supply of plants for my girl Stella. Even then though, she always has the ugliest and barest looking of enclosures. I can’t keep up with her.

 

[SueMackenzie]

My money tree was the perfect water catcher and I just noticed the wood is all soft, root rot. I got a new centerpiece plant on the way now though, a monsters deliciosa. I’ve learned so much about plants in the last few months it’s amazing.


I think I’m going to buy some of those terracotta clay balls for the bottom of my next one and others in the future, never used them before but heard good stuff about them.



Oh, I totally get you losing beloved plants is always such a bummer! Root rot is probably the most common issue in chameleon terrariums; the constant misting means the soil doesn't have time to dry out and just turns into a swamp. I actually drowned my first ficus that way I simply overwatered it. But Monstera deliciosa is a fantastic choice as a replacement; its huge leaves are perfect for a chameleon to drink from just keep in mind that it grows incredibly fast and will soon take up all the space. Mastering all these botanical nuances takes a lot of time and energy, so sometimes you just need to relax and shift your focus. For a bit of downtime, I usually check out interesting reviews on https://holyspingames.com/, which has a lot of cool content. Platforms like that are great for finding something engaging to enjoy for the evening and unwinding after setting up a terrarium.

Are you planning to add perlite to the soil for the new Monstera, or put expanded clay at the bottom to ensure proper drainage and avoid a repeat of the situation?

 

[nightanole]

 

[BleuSaphir]

Money Trees are tricky. They don’t like too much water and can’t stand to be in wet conditions long term.

 

[Lucas00-]

Are you planning to add perlite to the soil for the new Monstera, or put expanded clay at the bottom to ensure proper drainage and avoid a repeat of the situation?

I just used my regular potting mix and some assorted gravel/rocks in the bottom to help drain and it did great