One of the most common questions most new chameleon owners often ask is why their plants are not thriving or even died. Many chameleon keepers cannot keep plants alive. We definitely need to change this. One of the good indication that show your cage is a healthy environment for your chameleon is a lush, thriving plants life.
The best plants for chameleons need just light and water from you and the right temperature range. There are a number of other reasons why a plant could die, and these common culprits could be at fault.
#1 Overwatering
This is the most common mistake for many new chameleon owners. We all know that plants need water to alive but many owners have a fear of under watering, so they give their houseplants more water than they are able to use. Overwatering could lead that the plants are waterlogged and end up with you throwing away a dead plant. You can use pots with excellent drainage to avoid the dreaded root rot.
#2 Lack of water
On the other hands, there is other problem with water plants, of course, under watering. Once established, these plants actually like having their soil a bit on the dry side. Some type of plants like desert plants (cactuses, succulents) even do not require as much water as many other types of plants, they just need to be watered few times a week.
Make sure that you know the favoured conditions of each plants and follow the care instructions for the particular plant you’re keeping.
#3 Wrong type of soil
Basically, organic soil will work well with plants used in a chameleon cage that prevents harmful chemicals. This soil also available at local plant stores at affordable price. However, there are also some type of plants have special requirement.
Succulents need good drainage, while many other kinds of plants require more dense soil.
#4 Overexpose or lack of light
There are some types of plants will require low-light spectrum and you will need to place them where it will be shielded and avoid from direct UV rays. On the other hand, you can put light-worshipping plants right next to your heat lamps.
Additionally, it is the note that heat lamps may not be sufficient to support the plant’s need for lighting. You may need to place them under the direct sunlight. Check what level of light a plant requires, as specified by the seller.
