Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This tree is lovely and i would really like to purchase it.. but ive heard that it causes eye prblems... how many people have had this problem.. and should i risk it?? It looks very nice...

Many keepers have used Ficus trees for years with no problems. The issue is that when a leaf or twig breaks these species produce a sticky sap that MIGHT irritate a cham's eye if he got sap in it. It may occasionally happen but the real risk is low. To keep your Ficus from suffering much leaf and twig breaks a couple of tips. When you first get the plant prune all dead or dying twigs/leaves off. If your tree was trained to be a thick dense bushy shape thin out the small twiglets with scissors so your cham can easily climb through the foliage without having to force his way (and break things off). Hose the tree off and let it dry well. If you have to trim or reshape the Ficus after some months remove it from the cage and do the same thing. Some Ficus are sturdier than others. If you have a choice (and depending on the size of your chams) look for a variety called Ficus alli. It is a bigger plant than F. benjamina (also called weeping fig) with long lance shaped leaves. Not as tempermental or easily broken. As with any plant repot it to get rid of nursery pesticides, chemical fertilizers, soil insects and vermiculite and wash the leaves well.