Plastic or silk plants?

[taem]

Still relatively new to the hobby and I'm doing some research on making more suitable enclosures. I currently have an A. avic that never really hangs around the fake (plastic) plant I currently have fixed in the enclosure, but I also have some silk plants. Assuming it's based on preference (correct me if I'm wrong), is plastic or silk more suitable? Should it differ between terrestrials, arboreals and fossorials? Genuinely curious and a few searches didn't really yield results to my questions. Thanks!

 

[chanda]

I have noticed that my inverts seem to prefer the rougher texture of silk plants over the slippery, less porous surface of plastic - but you need to be sure that you're getting safe silk plants that are intended for use with pets. If you just go to the dollar store or the craft store, they have a wide array of inexpensive silk flowers and plants - but you have no way of knowing what kind of dyes were used on them, or whether they might be toxic to your pets. It is entirely possible that they are completely safe - but I don't want to risk them releasing any toxic chemicals when I mist/spray the cages and they get wet. (Of course, the same risk is present with plastic plants that are not intended for use with pets. Some plastics smell pretty strong and might also give off toxic fumes.)

 

[taem]

The silk plant I originally had in my Ts enclosure was from a decorative plant I had in the house, but after a little inquiry, I read somewhere that silk plants were bad (it's been a while, so I can't speak to whether or not this is an accurate quote), which is what led me to buy the plastic plant meant for reptiles. Admittedly, I didn't even think about whether or not a silk plant would be safe vs. unsafe, so that's extremely helpful. I'm really glad in that case that I removed the silk plant. Do you have any specific silk plants you recommend, or just any silk plant intended for animals will be suitable?

 

[Theneil]

I have noticed that my inverts seem to prefer the rougher texture of silk plants over the slippery, less porous surface of plastic - but you need to be sure that you're getting safe silk plants that are intended for use with pets. If you just go to the dollar store or the craft store, they have a wide array of inexpensive silk flowers and plants - but you have no way of knowing what kind of dyes were used on them, or whether they might be toxic to your pets. It is entirely possible that they are completely safe - but I don't want to risk them releasing any toxic chemicals when I mist/spray the cages and they get wet. (Of course, the same risk is present with plastic plants that are not intended for use with pets. Some plastics smell pretty strong and might also give off toxic fumes.)

I get almost all of my fake plants ehen they are on sale at Walmart. Haven't had any issues yet.

 

[ShyDragoness]

Ive never had an issue using silk plants and flowers, but I always thoroughly rinse them before use

 

[taem]

Thanks for all the advice!

 

[Mirandarachnid]

I use silk plants intended for aquariums

 

[Flashback]

I use silk plants intended for aquariums

This way going to be my question...I haven't added anything to my enclosure (a chalcodes), but every now & then I'll look in Petco at the aquarium section. I was thinking of adding some reptile decor (was going for a desert theme) but then the feeling passes.

I'm guessing the plants in pet stores should be safe for pets.

 

[Mirandarachnid]

This way going to be my question...I haven't added anything to my enclosure (a chalcodes), but every now & then I'll look in Petco at the aquarium section. I was thinking of adding some reptile decor (was going for a desert theme) but then the feeling passes.

I'm guessing the plants in pet stores should be safe for pets.

Yeah, I still wash them in vinegar and give them a good thorough rinse in water first, but anything intended to be submerged in water with fish will be safe for T's. The ones for reptiles are good too, just not as pretty.

Always wash decor though, you don't know what kind of floors it's been dropped on before it was put on the shelf.

 

[Flashback]

Yeah, I still wash them in vinegar and give them a good thorough rinse in water first, but anything intended to be submerged in water with fish will be safe for T's. The ones for reptiles are good too, just not as pretty.

Always wash decor though, you don't know what kind of floors it's been dropped on before it was put on the shelf.

Thanks!

 

[EtienneN]

I use silk plants intended for aquariums

I do this as well. Pet stores often have some usable aquarium decor that’s often on clearance.