Reptile & Amphibian Forums

HI,

I'm upgrading my beardies to bigger and nicer enclosures. I would really like to put some live plants in the habitats; however, I'm a little concerned that there might be problems with the beadies eating the plants or pests living in the plant soil.

Has anyone had any experience with live plants? Any particular kinds of plants or soils that are preferred?

Any comments are appreciated!

Marie

Bearded dragons will eventually try and eat any plants put into the cage thus it is very important to make sure the plant isn't poisonous to your dragon. Also there are not many plants that can tolerate the hot and dry environment inside a bearded dragon and survive being trampled and climbed on by a bearded dragon either.

All plants bought from a store will need to have the dirt they came with removed. This ensures nothing in the soil will harm your dragon (ie bugs, insecticides, fertilizers, vermiculite or perlite etc). Repot with regular potting soil and peat moss and use natural non chemical fertilizers as needed (though if you leave the plant in its pot, I suggest fertilizing it outside of the cage and putting it back in later, to ensure the plant has a chance to absorb the stuff). It also may be necessary to wash the leaves, as some nurseries spray the leaves as well.

Avoid cacti as the spines can cause serious injuries to dragons, such as poking their eyes if they accidentally bump against the cacti or run into it while chasing a tasty cricket. Below is a site that lists safe plants you can include in a bearded dragon cage.

www.beautifuldragons.com
-----
PHLdyPayne