Repotting Croton Petra

[jcarlsen]

Hey all, so I'm ordering a new plant for Jasper's cage to help keep up the humidity and replace the dead bromeliad I had in there.

Obviously, I plan to wash and repot it before putting it in. I have this organic, fertilizer free, pesticide free coco fiber and I'm wondering if that'd be good enough to repot it in? Also, would it be a terrible idea to put something on the bottom of the plater, like a paper towel or something that the water can still drip through but the soil won't come through?

Pardon my plant ignorance, btw

Thanks for any help you guys can offer!

 

[kinyonga]

Did you check to see if this plant is poisonous?

 

[kinyonga]

I think it is.

 

[jcarlsen]

I think it is.

Hmm. I've seen some folks say it's fine on here, and even saw it on a recommended plant list on a breeder's site. Can't remember which one, but I'll post a link if I can find it.

 

[Mikesyring]

I think it's safe but don't quote me on that

 

[kinyonga]

Here's another thread on it...
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/croton-plants-poisonous.46867/

 

[jpowell86]

To answer your original question, before potting the plant, place a layer of cheese cloth(or something similar) over the drain hole before adding the substrate. This will allow water to leave the container while keeping your soil intact. As far as the poisonous/non poisonous debate. It is a yes to both sides. Crotons are poisonous and carcinogenic. Now this applies to mammals in general. Crotons are often kept with chameleons without any issues at all, but, you do need to keep an eye on your cham when introducing this plant. I have heard of people's chams reacting to them negatively. In my opinion, I would not use anything that could possibly cause an issue. There are so many other options for plants that I don't see the point in chancing anything. Even though the croton is an attractive plant!

 

[Decadancin]

Here's another thread on it...
https://www.chameleonforums.com/threads/croton-plants-poisonous.46867/

This is somewhat up for debate even now. I can tell you that Pothos are considered toxic, but I have seen them on safe plant lists. I also use them in my enclosures. I also have some crotons on my outdoor free range. I will tell you that if my cats get to munching on the leaves, it wont be long before I am cleaning up some vomit . Not sure if this helps any .

 

[jcarlsen]

To answer your original question, before potting the plant, place a layer of cheese cloth(or something similar) over the drain hole before adding the substrate. This will allow water to leave the container while keeping your soil intact. As far as the poisonous/non poisonous debate. It is a yes to both sides. Crotons are poisonous and carcinogenic. Now this applies to mammals in general. Crotons are often kept with chameleons without any issues at all, but, you do need to keep an eye on your cham when introducing this plant. I have heard of people's chams reacting to them negatively. In my opinion, I would not use anything that could possibly cause an issue. There are so many other options for plants that I don't see the point in chancing anything. Even though the croton is an attractive plant!

Thanks! Yeah, I'd seen quite a lot of debate about whether or not it's poisonous. I have a panther who generally isn't a leaf biter. I'll definitely keep an eye out though. Thanks for the tip with the cheesecloth.

 

[kinyonga]

If you free-range the insects and they chew on the leaves it can still get inside your chameleon.

 

[jcarlsen]

I finally found the link. One of the sponsors, Chameleon Paradise, lists Croton as a safe plant here: http://www.chameleonparadise.net/information/live-plants/

I generally don't free range my feeders, which are usually crickets and roaches. I definitely don't free range the roaches because they'll hide in places forever. I use an open half gallon carton with mesh for the crickets, and some do escape, but generally the free ones just migrate to the top by the basking spot.