Drainage System/Plants/New Build Questions

[KatelinLovesCommah]

I'm buying & building Commah (4m/oVield) a new enclosure. It is a 2x2x4 Retibreeze, for him to explore and play in. I just have a couple questions.

I know lots and lots and lots and lots of horizontal braches/vines. I'm going to stick a small tree/living plant or something like it in there too, in some sort of pot/container. I had a zebra plant in with him in his fist container, and it died pretty rapidly. Is thier any plant that would withstand the humdity/temps better?

I have heard alot of talk about having drainage systems, but I am not really sure why they are nessesary, or how to make one. If ayone can comment on how to make a drainge system, & post picures on yours, that would be greatly apprechiated. I KNOW he should have hm-but I don't know WHY...

Thanks Alot,
K&C

 

[EvilLost]

Ideal larger plants with good branches are hibiscus, ficus, and I like pothos (but thats a vine so use it as supplemental perhaps). It could be helpful to narrow down the cause of death of your zebra plant as well, which may have to do with your current setup.


regarding drainage:

where does your excess water currently go?

-if your planters are closed in the bottom, it means they will build up water/be mushy very fast, causing your plants to drown.

-if they are open at the bottom, and only a tiny/negligible bit of water is coming out, then you are most likely not watering (your chameleon) enough

-if they are open at the bottom and you are watering sufficiently, what happens to the extra water?

It always varies by chameleon, but I usually mist around 5minute sessions which puts out ~1.5 gallons of water.


Some chams drink quickly but many chams do not. My male panther drinks the second water hits his lips, but my female panther and jackson's need to sit under the water for a good minute+ before they drink, even if they haven't had water for an entire day. My jackson's especially typically needs misting times of 5+ minutes.


Hope that helps

 

[KatelinLovesCommah]

regarding drainage:

where does your excess water currently go?

-if your planters are closed in the bottom, it means they will build up water/be mushy very fast, causing your plants to drown.

-if they are open at the bottom, and only a tiny/negligible bit of water is coming out, then you are most likely not watering (your chameleon) enough

-if they are open at the bottom and you are watering sufficiently, what happens to the extra water?

Your advice was very helpful. How do I set up a drainage system? I mean- the Retibreeze is all screen so does that mean just a tank or catching bin underneath it will be what I need?

Thanks again!