moth orchid phalaenopsis

[dodolah]

Anybody has ever use this as a decoration inside of your chameleon cage?

if you have, I have some Q for you guys and gals:

1. Is it perfectly safe?
2. For such delicate plants, how do you safely remove all trace of the
pesticides used?
3. I know that they benefit a lot from using sphagnum moss. Will this moss
be a potential problem with Chameleon? (I will put the orchid in the area
where the mister won't reach the orchid. and i also will elevate it so that
the roots won't touch the water -since the orchid will only need to be
watered once every 10 days)
4. Should I repot the soil? cover the pot with rocks or so on?
5. any tips will be great too.

Thanks in advance, guys.

 

[Jeweledchameleons]

The only way I would have my animals in the same cage with any orchid species would be to take pictures
While the plants are thick and tough I wouldn't want to take the chance
they're an advanced and highly evolved plant family
and highly likely to have lots of defensive chemicals all over their tissues.
personally it's not worth the risk.

The I'm aware of several orchid species that contain active "drugs" to defend themselves.
Like I said, they're fine to use as a prop in order to make an attractive temp display
for your animal
but otherwise I would recommend strongly against it being in the cage long term.
That is, unless someone knows of an edible orchid species that I'm not aware of...

There are other plants that may not be as "high end attractive" but are safe for your pet.
-jeweledchameleons.

 

[Aquaseafoam]

Hmmm,
It might look nice on a stand beside, or on top of the cage, heh.

 

[dodolah]

hahaha yes it might..
i try the toxic plant list site but i have never find this orchid listed there..
that's why i ask
do you have any site that explains it, jeweled? not that i do not believe you. i am just curious.

 

[Brad Ramsey]

I actually believe the phalaenopsis is safe.
It's an expensive plant to give to your chameleon though ...

-Brad

 

[dodolah]

i have one already... but, if it's not a good plant i can always put it in my bathroom

 

[dodolah]

uhmm...
how to remove the pesticides used on these plants, if i cannot make the flower wet?

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Good question.
Maybe your bathroom is the best place.
Your veiled will probably eat the flowers anyway

-Brad

 

[dodolah]

Update:
actually, i was still curious in dealing with this orchid and manage to get into a forum that as active as this one.
and one of the administrator on the orchid forum tells me that the pesticides they often use on Orchid are good only for 28 days.
After that, the pesticides trace will have gone completely.
Orchid (well this type of orchid anyway) is one of the safe plants.

Hopefully, this thread is helpful.