potted plant for husbandry?

[pedro11478]

My wife suggested i put a potted plant in my custom built cage for our Florida King.

Although it sounds like a good idea i was concerned with possible health risk if he borrows in soil that may have fertilizers in it?

can anyone speak to this risk?

I was thinking of maybe getting some non fertilized top soil and replanting a fern or some plants in there. that is if the risk is high.

im not really sure. i guess the fumes could hurt him but i was concerned about him dragging some in the water and drinking it :(

[Dolly]

definitely not safe

[Invictus]

Absolutely not safe. Added to which, putting a live plant means you need to put UVA/UVB into the enclosure as well, so there's an added expense.

[Linds]

Potted plants are totally safe as long as certain precautions are observed. You need to put your plant through a cleansing period before introducing it. First, you must remove the plant from the soil and pot, rinse the leaves in a mild solution of dishsoap and water (followed by a clean water rinse), and replant it in a new pot with new, clean soil. For the next couple weeks I would continue to rinse the leaves of the plants with clean water, to help remove any residue you may have missed initially, as well as allowing the plant to take to its new setup. After that it is fine to add, however you must also choose a plant that is suitable for the environment (lighting, temperature, humidity, etc.) you will be providing for it, as well as be aware that snakes have a tendency to destroy plants fairly quickly, so it may not be worth all the work you would have to put in to it.

[Shad0w]

Totally agree with Linds, They are totally safe when you use the proper precautions, I also prefer to take the extra step and make sure the plants are non toxic. In fact, I would tend to the side that it actually improves air quality in a viv. Ive got pothos in almost all my enclosures. Stuff is great, non toxic, grows even in relatively low light and grows like crazy.

[pedro11478]

Thx for the replies,

i think i will take the advice and put a potted plant in that has its own clean soil and treat it also.

shadow can you elaborate on the type of plant you use and where i can find it?

thx again everyone

[Shad0w]

Thx for the replies,

i think i will take the advice and put a potted plant in that has its own clean soil and treat it also.

shadow can you elaborate on the type of plant you use and where i can find it?

thx again everyone


Sure, Pothos can be baught at most garden centers, even at home depot.

Here is a link to what the stuff looks like:
http://images.google.ca/images?q=pothos&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images

[Rosy-enthusiast]

I think the florida king might actually kill the plant eventually from going on the tops of the new growth and breaking it off as it is really fragile. But. whatever you want to do.