First of all...I have kept/bred chameleons for over 15 years now, but I haven't had a lot of Jackson's...but I have had a few that have done well for me though. I have kept a few merus too.



You said..."My first question is substrate. There are so many opinions on what to use so I am quite confused. The most prominent opinion tends to be no substrate to limit bacterial growth. Now, I have a plastic tray that sits at the bottom of the enclosure so would I leave it just as the plastic? would I put reptile carpet down? or a large towel to help hold humidity?"...I never use any substrate or carpet or towels or anything else as substrate for any chameleon. The main reason is that any soil/bark/mulch/etc. type substrates can be ingested...either by accident or on purpose...and most of them can cause impactions. Cedar and pine contain oils that are toxic to chameleons too. (Cloth) towels and carpet can carry bacteria and mold and are too hard to keep clean.



To help with the humidity, I use real plants that are non-toxic (in case the chameleon or the insects that are used to feed the chameleon nibble on them) that are well washed (both sides of the leaves). I also run lots of water through the soil and cover the soil with small stones that are too large for the chameleon to ingest. I also use drippers and mist the cages a couple of times a day.



Re: plant choice...ficus does exude a milky product...but since I have never used ficus, I have no experience on whether it will cause harm to the eyes or not. Like you, I have heard that it can though. I have always used pothos and for brevs, a plant called china doll. Lots of people say that hibiscus are good plants to use.



Hope this helps!

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