What are some opnions on Ficus Trees? I use them (Ficus Benjamina) and have never had any related problems. I've seen several reputable sources say they are good to use, and several other reputable sources that say they aren't safe.
I think it comes down to the problem of Chameleons coming into contact with the milky white sap. But this substance is only present when you cut into the tree. When I prune my tree, I always wash any reisidual sap away thoroughly, and as far as I know my Jackson's has never come into contact with any sap.
What's the verdict on these trees? They sure are a good size, provide good climbing and are easy to keep healthy in artificial sunlight. I tried Shefflera (sp?) and hibiscus and both plants died within a month. And I consider myself having somewhat of a green thumb. They seem to be hard to keep healthy in a cage setup. Any thoughts?
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Ficus Trees
Replies (3)
I use them in my chams cage I have yet to try any other plants and my mom has a weeping fig (a ficus benjaming su species) and I've never had any problems, bear in mind I got my chameleon only 3 days ago, but when I pruned it to fit his cage it had almost no sap come out so this my be a good species of plant, we have had a full grown one for about 6 years and they only get to be about 3i/2-4 ft making them perfect for panther and veiled cages, I honestly can't see myself using a diffrent plant.
They are a good tree if you can keep them alive, and your cautious with the sap. I tried 3 of them and they all died because they were always to wet. good luck with it.
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From Sunny Florida
Jovana's kids listed below
1.1 Veileds
1.0 Ambanja Panther
1.1 Tamatave Panther
I use Ficus all the time. For my larger species I like Ficus alli rather than benjamina...it is sturdier (chams break fewer branches and leaves) and gets bigger. I have pretty good luck with schefflera too as long as I watch how wet the soil gets (don't let the pot sit in water...make sure it drains, and water the plant itself once a week if the soil gets dry), feed them regularly, and make sure they get enough direct light. It often helps keep plants bushy all over to put a regular fluorescent tube light vertically along one cage side. As for sap, if you prune and trim the plant when you first get it and shower the sap off it is safe. If a twig or leaf breaks and there is sap, just wipe it clean. The cham would really have to rub its eye directly on the sap to cause a problem.
