ThomasFord
Member
Hey guys i just got this new plant and i wanted to consult you guys to see if you guys know if it is poisonous or not.
Is this safe?
- Thread starter ThomasFord
- Start date
oneillchameleons
Established Member
It's a Schefflera and commonly known as an umbrella plant. They're great in Cham enclosures and I have dozens of them around the house that I switch in and out of the cages.
ThomasFord
Member
so its alright if i use it in my chams enclosure, and do you know how i should try to get pesticides off of it.
oneillchameleons
Established Member
Yes perfectly safe and your Cham will appreciate it. You should change the soil (use organic) and repot, and wash the leaves with some warm water and a small amount of dish soap, then rinse well.
brownie64
Avid Member
OOPS! you beat me.
ThomasFord
Member
i mean my cham doesn't really find interest in eating the soil, i usually feed him a good amount. he just hangs from it so should i just wash off the leaves.
ThomasFord
Member
these guys say its a schleffera
Extensionofgreen
Chameleon Enthusiast
Swapping out the soil is best for you and your chameleon, because the plant needs a soil that can handle all of the water it will be getting. Organic is not needed. A lot of people think that organic means free of toxins and safe, but the facts are that unless the soil is eaten, fertilizers are of no harm and as long as there are no pesticides, any soil is fine.
What can be a problem is chameleons eating perlite ( white balls ) from the soil or other larger particles, like bark, either intentionally or accidentally, when a feeder happens to be crossing the soil. These can cause blockages and can be found in organic soils, also.
My suggestion is that you repot the plant into a soil with lots of chunky bits ( orchid/reptibark, lava rock, charcoal, #3 or 4 perilite ( nearly pop corn size ), then cover the soil with larger stones, or another barrier, to prevent the chameleon from eating it by mistake.
Just noticed the bag of Eco earth. Go to a pet store or lowes, Home Depot, or a nursery and buy either orchid mix or reptibark. The orchid mix is cheaper. Mix that 50/50, with the Eco earth, plant the plant in it, and cover the top with pure Eco earth. I'd mix about about a tablespoon of Osmocote fertilizer into the planting mix, too.
What can be a problem is chameleons eating perlite ( white balls ) from the soil or other larger particles, like bark, either intentionally or accidentally, when a feeder happens to be crossing the soil. These can cause blockages and can be found in organic soils, also.
My suggestion is that you repot the plant into a soil with lots of chunky bits ( orchid/reptibark, lava rock, charcoal, #3 or 4 perilite ( nearly pop corn size ), then cover the soil with larger stones, or another barrier, to prevent the chameleon from eating it by mistake.
Just noticed the bag of Eco earth. Go to a pet store or lowes, Home Depot, or a nursery and buy either orchid mix or reptibark. The orchid mix is cheaper. Mix that 50/50, with the Eco earth, plant the plant in it, and cover the top with pure Eco earth. I'd mix about about a tablespoon of Osmocote fertilizer into the planting mix, too.
