Trouble with Ming Aralia

[Nicholasdeaan]

So to decided put a large Aralia in my Jacksons enclosure. The trouble is that it stays wet for so long and the leaves hold water super well. So what I'm wondering is if misting once a day for about 5-10 minutes is ok? The humidity is staying at 60-65% percent and he drinks plenty. I feel as though once a day will be enough since he's still getting a good drink in daily and since the humidity is staying where it should.

 

[jpowell86]

What kind of enclosure do you have him in Nick?

 

[Nicholasdeaan]

He's being kept in a screen enclosure. I have only 50 watt basking bulb above as this hits temps at 72-75 degrees. That's why I can't figure out as to why it's staying wet for so long. I love the fact that it does because it gives him lots of oppurtunity to drink.

 

[Nicholasdeaan]

I would have thought since he's in a screen I would have to mist more. But it's the complete opposite.

 

[Carlton]

Well, we all end up with slightly different situations. You now know that in that particular setup with that particular plant it works to mist once. A good example of how well the right plant can maintain a decent humidity level. If its TOO humid you could always thin out the Aralia's foliage by pruning it, or run a small fan near the cage to push the air around.

 

[jpowell86]

I would have thought since he's in a screen I would have to mist more. But it's the complete opposite.

That's the beauty of a large leafed plant! Good choice by the way.

My advice would be to just have a little trial and error session. I'm guessing you have a hygrometer...just run the enclosure with one misting a day for a week. Inspect urates for your cham's hydration levels and jot down the humidity levels a couple times a day and see if the numbers are good for him.

If I remember right, you keep your chams in a basement setting. This might make it easier to maintain humidity levels as well because their isn't as much air flow from open doors and heavy foot traffic. So, just manipulate your husbandry around your readings and make it work for you.

 

[Nicholasdeaan]

Well, we all end up with slightly different situations. You now know that in that particular setup with that particular plant it works to mist once. A good example of how well the right plant can maintain a decent humidity level. If its TOO humid you could always thin out the Aralia's foliage by pruning it, or run a small fan near the cage to push the air around.

I thought about using the small fan method as well. I just might do that. I'd hate it prune the Aralia! It's about perfect. Humidity is staying right where I'd like it!

That's the beauty of a large leafed plant! Good choice by the way.

My advice would be to just have a little trial and error session. I'm guessing you have a hygrometer...just run the enclosure with one misting a day for a week. Inspect urates for your cham's hydration levels and jot down the humidity levels a couple times a day and see if the numbers are good for him.

If I remember right, you keep your chams in a basement setting. This might make it easier to maintain humidity levels as well because their isn't as much air flow from open doors and heavy foot traffic. So, just manipulate your husbandry around your readings and make it work for you.

I thought it was a good choice as well! I saw his first urates today, they were very white. Yes they are kept in a basement. There's also a humidifier that is ran as well. I guess I'll just what you and @Carlton suggested. Do a little trial and error and see how it goes!