Intersecting Hobbies - Chameleons and Bonsai

[JimO]

I used to keep quite a few bonsai trees and frequently used ficus benjamina as an indoor bonsai. So, I was delighted to hear that this makes a good live plant for chameleons. I just purchased a small ficus from someone who uses no pesticides, only a little milorganite fertilizer. I rinsed off all the soil and washed the foliage with dishwashing soap and water and gave it a thorough rinsing and soaking in clean water. I then planted it in one of my larger bonsai pots and trimmed it to fit in the smaller temp enclosure where my new chameleon will stay the first few months after he arrives this Thursday (YES!).

It's really cool that I still have all the stuff I used for bonsais and was able to put one together for the chameleon. I'll post photos after my little panther arrives.

 

[twatts704]

Can't wait to see

 

[mirrinias]

Other trees are safe for chameleons too, so I'd do some research and see which bonsai you could use for your cham! Other trees just aren't commonly used because they get huge and are not indoor plants. So if you have the skills to make them bonsai, good for you!

 

[mrfixit01]

I used to keep quite a few bonsai trees and frequently used ficus benjamina as an indoor bonsai. So, I was delighted to hear that this makes a good live plant for chameleons. I just purchased a small ficus from someone who uses no pesticides, only a little milorganite fertilizer. I rinsed off all the soil and washed the foliage with dishwashing soap and water and gave it a thorough rinsing and soaking in clean water. I then planted it in one of my larger bonsai pots and trimmed it to fit in the smaller temp enclosure where my new chameleon will stay the first few months after he arrives this Thursday (YES!).

It's really cool that I still have all the stuff I used for bonsais and was able to put one together for the chameleon. I'll post photos after my little panther arrives.

So are your intentions to teach your cham to do bonsai too?

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Thats awesome that you get to combine your interests! I want to see pics when you get it set up!

 

[JimO]

I was considering training him to perch on certain branches when I need them to sag a little more. I was also hoping he'd nip off a few leaves here and there to maintain the small growth habit.

So are your intentions to teach your cham to do bonsai too?

 

[laurie]

I love bonsai trees, but you can't buy them in Montana. So I either try to bring them back on trips or order them off the internet. Do post pictures I will enjoy so much seeing decent bonsai again.