Reptile & Amphibian Forums

...and I was just wondering why Ficus Benjemima(sp?)are used in in Cham cages so much when the sap is an irritant? Thanks-Maggie

there is only sap when you prune the plant.

dennis

What a stupid question!!!!

JUST KIDDING!!!

I actually have always had the same questions about ficus trees but never asked. I always thought it was because the leaves, with their saucer shape, hold the most moisture when sprayed. Of course, I'm sure that isnt the answer but I just go along with the masses!!

Baaaaaaaa Baaaaaaaaaa (sheep imitation).
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Raf

1.2 Jacksons Adults (Frank, Patty, Lucille)
0.0.1 Jackson's baby (George, R.I.P. 11/17/2003)
1.1 Nosy Be's (Mars and Roja)
1.1 Veiled - No Names Yet
0.1 Adult Sulcatta (POOPIE,I bought it from Victor at Kobey's in SD)
0.0.2 Baby Sulcattas (frick and frack)
1.0 Home's Hingeback Tortoise (SPEEDY, From Victor as well)
1.2 Red ear slider babies (Hingis, Dingis and Dorkus)
0.0.1 3 toed box turtle - No Name Yet
0.0.1 Gulf Coast Box Turtle - No Name Yet
1.0 Red Siberian Husky (Harley)
0.1 Black Lab (Krissy)
0.1 English Bulldog (Alice)
0.1 Blue Merle Great Dane (Wednesday)
Saltwater Fish and Inverts too

Thats a good question.

I've always assumed that they were so popular because they were available, cheap and pretty hardy.
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Joe
- www.silkwormfarm.com-

As compasscreek already mentioned, the sap is only a problem if you've got lots of fresh cut or broken leaves or branches. Ficus have a nice treelike habit which works well for chams as compared to many houseplants. A large schefflera can work well too. Really, the sap is an EYE irritant, but a cham would have to literally bump its eye onto an oozing leaf or stem to get it in the eye. When you first get the Ficus trim off dead stuff, prune the plant so there are clear pathways through the foliage (if it is a dense one), and get all trimming done before putting it in the cage for good. Let the plant stop oozing and rinse the sap off with a hose or shower. You should be fine. If the cham is big enough that it breaks the branches when climbing around (such as a larger veiled or panther) you can also look for a different Ficus that will be sturdier. Ficus alli is a bigger stronger variety. I see them fairly often at better houseplant shops or nurseries.

Thanks! Just the kind of info I was looking for. Now I have more plant questions, see above post. Regards, Maggie