Live Plant Questions

[HannahGrace]

Hello all, I’m starting to put together a enclosure for my first veiled chameleon hopefully tomorrow (not getting it yet just setting up) and was just wanting to ask a few questions. I’m doing live plants, potted separately not straight in the enclosure. I wanted to know what you guys did for soil and general prep of the plants. I’ve been reading around and just wanted another opinion. So, to clarify, what type of soil should I use? I’ve read any that says “organic” with no added fertilizers, but I was wondering if any of you use some kind of natural solution for the plants to get nutrients or if they seem to do okay with just straight soil. The plants I’m planning to use are pothos, schefflera, and probably hibiscus, as well as maybe another vining plant like star jasmine. My other question was how do you clean the plants? I was reading about wiping it down the leaves with a warm water and soap solution, is that the best method?

 

[Cordawayconstruction]

I have 5 live plants in my enclosure. When i first bought them I cleaned the roots and plant off in water then repotted them in an organic potting soil. I added a bunch of pearlite to the mix (not the most natural thing, I know) after rinsing it because I have a Jackson's and there is a lot of water passing through my enclosure every day. I don't use soap to clean them off tho. I just use a warm damp cloth and wipe them down and give them a good rinsing. Haven't had any problems.

 

[jamest0o0]

Hibiscus probably won't do well long term due to light requirements. The others are great, ficus are awesome too. Wandering jew are extremely hardy and will cover everything. A regular organic soil will be fine. I like to mix with play sand to help with drainage(maybe like 10-20% of the mix). That'll do for the plants you mentioned.

 

[jamest0o0]

I clean plants by filling a tub or bucket with water, adding some white ivory soap until it's bubbly and sometimes some vinegar. I swish them around for a few minutes and rinse them off.

 

[HannahGrace]

Thank you for the reply! Really pearlite? Do you cover the top with rocks or something like that? Just curious.

I read about sand and wasn’t sure. I’m definitely going to look into it more because I’ve been worried about drainage.
Vinegar makes sense, but it doesn’t bother the plants? Also, thanks for the tip about hibiscus. I was trying to hunt down a ficus today but I had difficulty. The ones I found were either too tall or looked like it was on the verge of death. I’m going to keep an eye out for them though because it was initially one of my first choices.

 

[Cordawayconstruction]

Thank you for the reply! Really pearlite? Do you cover the top with rocks or something like that? Just curious ^^

I cover it up with moss. He rarely goes near the base of the plants.

 

[HannahGrace]

Yeah, I’ve read that most don’t tend to go too far down but knowing me I’ll be too paranoid. Moss sounds like a good idea though.