Ficus Benjamina "Little Fiddle"

[SierraNevada]

I picked up three "little fiddles" from the hardware store. The tag says they are Ficus Benjaminas...however they have broad larger teardrop leaves.

They don't look like the traditional ficus benjamina.

Anyone know about this particular plant and if it's safe?

Thanks

P.S. It's not in the plant data base on here.

 

[John33871]

post a picture

 

[SierraNevada]

Here are some shots. There is no chameleon living in this enclosure yet.

 

[John33871]

yeah thats not a ficus. not sure what it is but it doesnt look harmful, but i could be wrong. i know thats now ficus tho

 

[SierraNevada]

yeah thats not a ficus. not sure what it is but it doesnt look harmful, but i could be wrong. i know thats now ficus tho

It says ficus right on the pots...on all 3...and one had a tag that said "little fiddle" ficus benjamina. The labels on the pots are all indicating that they are ficus plants.

 

[John33871]

compare your plant with a ficus plant on this list
https://www.chameleonforums.com/plants/. it is possible that it was change, or placed in the wrong pot.

 

[John33871]

 

[Will Hayward]

John, "Ficus" is a genus of hundreds and hundreds of plants. The question now is, which species of Ficus is this?

Might be Ficus lyrata (fiddleaf fig)

 

[John33871]

i googled it and didnt see any of those. he said

It says ficus right on the pots...on all 3...and one had a tag that said "little fiddle" ficus benjamina. The labels on the pots are all indicating that they are ficus plants.

 

[John33871]

well if think i may have found what it is, it is in the ficus but not a benjamina but a Ficus lyrata, or fiddle-leaf fig. check this site out http://www.diynetwork.com/diy/ic_plant_types/article/0,2029,DIY_13966_2270563,00.html

 

[Will Hayward]

John, you are completely oblivious, re-read the thread

 

[Matthew]

These are ficus they are the easiest to grow of the ficus family. the latin name is (Ficus lyrata - synonym Ficus pandarata). i dont know about their toxicness. they do grow fast though and get rather large up to 25 feet.

 

[SierraNevada]

These are ficus they are the easiest to grow of the ficus family. the latin name is (Ficus lyrata - synonym Ficus pandarata). i dont know about their toxicness. they do grow fast though and get rather large up to 25 feet.

25 Feet!? Holy Cow! LOL

I looked it up at the University of Davis plant list website....it has the same toxicity as the benjamina...rated at a "4". 1 being the most toxic..and 5 being the least.

The pots say "benjamina"...but if they are "fiddles", then they are lyrata I guess.

Thanks all.

 

[Will Hayward]

25 Feet!? Holy Cow! LOL

Don't be thrown back by that, the Ficus Benjamina (A very commonly used chameleon plant) would obtain more than 60 feet in optimal conditions in nature.

Ficus respond well to trimming, but be sure to let the sap dry before exposing it to the chameleon again.

 

[SierraNevada]

I am NOT a green thumb....my mother is the green thumb and I didn't inherit that gene. I am however....good at planting trees in my yard...running drip line over my acres...and fixing/installing sprinklers....houseplants are a different story.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Matthew]

Than this would be a good tree for you because its hard to kill.

 

[ChromaChameleons]

Will did mention the latex sap that is typical of Ficus. Unless your cham is a leaf eater , this plant should be relatively safe. The sap is more a problem as a physical irritant . It can cause serious issues with eyes if it comes into contact with them.

 

[SierraNevada]

My chameleon is an Ambilobe.

I think these plants will be ok... only problem is the broad leaf, blocking some of my UV from the top. I may have to take one out and open it up a bit.

Did you guys notice my humidifier pvc on the side? I'm trying to decide on whether I should fancy it up a bit with a straight pipe over the top and drilled holes downward for the cool steam, instead of the 3" opening pouring the humidity in.

I have it set to run 30 mins twice a day. My wife thinks it's fine the way it is...but I'm concerned about the amount of it pouring in all at once, I guess.

Opinions?