Potted plants aren't "essential" for chameleons, but they help with humidity and oxygen. The biggest problem I would think is that some chameleons, mostly veileds, but also at least panthers and Jacksons that I've had will occasionally take a bite out of a leaf or accidentally eat one when going for a worm or cricket. If was a plastic or silk leaf it would definately be a problem. I use only ficus plants and more and more lately I've been switching to hibiscus, mostly because they're thicker (better hiding), I think look better and they hold water on the leaves longer than a ficus. Plus, the flowers look sweet and veileds will also eat the flowers and crickets love them too. If you've got smaller chams, use plastic plants for a few reasons.... Their easier to wash, because baby droppings stick to leaves alot. They don't need dirt to grow that can be swallowed and stuck in a small chameleons throat and also, they are probably more sanitary (if kept clean) than a plant with dirt and the things that are in dirt. Droppings that fall into potting soil can be hard to see for cleaning and can get bacteria and mold groing in your cage. The small insects that are in potting soil aren't usually a problem unless they're getting lots of them built up and invading your house. Take all the soil you can and let it dry out in the sun prior to potting it and it will clean it pretty good. You could also bake or heat the soil in the oven, or MAYBE even stick the whole plant in the microwave for a short time and I would think that the small nuclear blast would kill all living things in the soil (even though I've never done that, but it might work!!!) LOL

-Tyler Stewart

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