Plants are probably the most important item in your chameleons cage, They give your chameleon surfaces to drink from, cover to take refuge and feel secure, food for some species and they also help create and maintain a certain amount of humidity and fresh air (Live plants).

Plastic or silk plants can be used, as they are very strong and easy to clean and do not need looking after as live plants do. But I strongly recommend live plants to be used (at least one in the enclosure), as plastic plants do not have the same qualities as live plants do.

You must use safe non-toxic plants, as some chameleons will eat the leaves such as The Yemen Chameleon (C. calyptratus) and most may accidentally ingest some leaves when drinking or feeding.

Below is a list of plants that we have found to be safe to use and thrive inside the enclosure:

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
(Information on plant goes here)

There are other plants you can use but we have found these to be the best and are fairly easy to find at your local garden centre, supermarket or DIY superstore.

When you have just brought your plants you must wash them before putting them in your chameleons enclosure, this is because the plants may have been sprayed with chemicals (pesticides) or substances like 'Leaf shine' which can be harmful to your chameleon when they drink from the leaves.
To wash your plants get a container and fill it with tepid (Slightly warm) water, add some soap liquid, then place the plant in the water, wash the plant as best you can covering all of the plant and also the under sides of the leaves. Then rinse off the plant in clean tepid water and allow to dry. Now your plant is ready to go into your chameleon's enclosure.

Plants are living things and must also be cared for, remember to water regularly and re-pot when your plants get big enough. Plants make an enclosure look fantastic and plants go with chameleons like fish go with water.

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