Using Pachira aquatica (Money Tree)

[MegaDiamond]

I purchased a money tree recently from a local nursery. It appeared to be a perfect size for my veiled's enclosure. I thought it would offer a climbing source, canopy and very large water droplet leaves.

I put it in her enclosure and she loves it. Drinks off of it. Catches crickets on the leaves. The perfect plant for her setup.

Before buying I did a quick search in the nursery on my iPhone and found people saying the planet was ok.

After being in her enclosure for two days, I saw her snap up a leaf. This made me wonder.

I did some more detailed searches and found the internet very controversial on this particular plant. Some say they use it and it's fine and others say it is very toxic.

I had one years ago and one of my cats munched on it whenever he could. He lived till almost 20. I know a cat is not a chameleon but the people who say it's toxic say it is toxic to all animals and humans.

It seems that not enough research has been performed on this species of plant and chameleons to support a firm case on whether on not to use this plant in a chameleon's home.

Does anyone have any experience with this planet that they could share with me? I have taken it out for the time being, but right now I don't have anything to replace it with. Previously she had a very safe umbrella tree but she eats them every other month and my local nurseries do not currently have stock.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[shrum]

I am by far an expert but my experience is I have kept two different veiled chameleons with this as my main plant and I had both chams for years. They only ate the leaves a few times that I know of and it never seemed to be a problem. I also use it for my Pygmy chams but I have never seen them eat it before ever.