Live plants???!!!

[tharyeriobsessed89]

I recently got a new reptibreeze 2x2x4 and bought a schefflera plant to go inside. I tried to do my own research thing but didn't find anything on whether I need to do anything special to the plant before putting it into the cage. I was pressed for time so I went ahead and introduced my female veiled in the cage with the plant. Haven't noticed any weird behavior but did notice most of all the crickets dead at the bottom.

 

[MollyT]

I washed mine before putting them in. I sprayed them with water with dish soap in it, then rinsed it off really well. Then I repotted them in new pots and new, organic potting soil. I did this bc I read somewhere on here to do that with new plants.

I would probably take her out and go ahead and clean it, just in case, especially since the crickets died. That's just me, though. I tend to be pretty paranoid! Good luck!

 

[GreenWithEnvy]

Re-pot them

We took them out and sprayed off all of the old potting soil because it had fertilizer in it, and then sprayed the plant off and re-potted it with organic soil and make sure that it is in a pot that can drain out.

Also schefflera's can cause eye irritations... So you might even want to try a different kind of plant, especially if you notice any irritation with her eyes.

This is a good list..
http://www.flchams.com/safe_plant_list.asp

Good luck!!

 

[tharyeriobsessed89]

Thanks I was thinking I should wash them off. I will do that. I should also replant them in a different soil?

 

[stalincat]

I didn't repot mine. I have a ficus and a money plant in one viv and a hibiscus in another. Bought them at the local gardening center. Both chams eat those plants and they've been fine.

 

[deadhd5]

I have to encourage Hibiscus as it is my palnt of choice. It is tropical and can take the constant deluge of water, leaves hold water droplets nicely, and has nice flowers that pop out from time to time.

Definitely wash the leaves to remove pesticides. I repotted mine with a 50/50 mix of organic soil/sand. I place a later of river rocks at the bottom to ensure the plant isn't sitting in water and a layer at the top to prevent the cham from ingesting the soil mix. finally I topped it off with green plastic mesh because for some reason my nosy be loves to chew on rocks (loudly!)

 

[tkilgour]

I agree, I like hibiscus too. Although, some people have problems getting them to flower indoors.

 

[Ta2Smitty]

Honestly, the only thing I do is hose mine off and put a layer of big rocks on the top of the soil, going on 3 years with zero problems. I even use red tips in my outside cages during the summer with no ill effects.