SAFE PLANTS FOR RUSSIAN TORTOISE

The_Four_Toed_Edward said:

I am so sorry for your loss

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kara+arkady said:

I looked here before posting, but I'm so full of grief I can't even process, so I'm making a new thread.

We lost Hillary yesterday and my heart is broken. I woke up today feeling like the entire house was sitting on my chest.

We are now building a new enclosure downstairs for William- to start all over and give him his own kingdom.

I need to know all safe plants and flowers for him, please.

I already know hibiscus, romaine, dandelion... I'm looking for more SAFE and new ideas for his new enclosure. Ie: best grass to plant for him, etc.

Any tips and tricks would be great as well.
*I already know NO pesticides.

If anyone in SOCAL (I'm near Santa Clarita) has hibiscus or any other plant you could share, we would be grateful.

Thank you

@Tom

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Tom said:

It's best to make your own plants from cuttings off of mature plants, or by growing from seed. This is because all commercial nurseries have to grow "decorative" plants with toxic systemic pesticides. They put this in the soil and the plants absorb it through their roots and into their tissues. It can't be rinsed off and it takes months to dissipate after replanting in "clean" soil. I'm told this is done to protect our agricultural industries.

The other way I do it is to scrounge all sorts of food from local sources. Cactus pads, mulberry trees, lavatera leaves, hollyhock, hibiscus, all sorts of weeds, and any kind of squash plant is easy to grow. I'll bet your neighbors, or places near you have these plants growing. I just got back from my Magical Mulberry Neighborhood with a literal truck load of mulberry branches for my herd. There is a neighborhood less than a mile from me that has 50+ large very mature mulberry trees, and the neighbors are thrilled that I come and prune their trees on the regular. Its a gold mine for someone with lots of tortoises to feed.

The guy that runs Green Landscape Nursery down here on Newhall Ave is a reptile guy. He can help you select plants, and let you know about the time frames for them to detoxify. That is also the place to get the orchid bark that I told AK about. Here is a picture of that if you guys want it:
View attachment 400733

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Tom said:

It's best to make your own plants from cuttings off of mature plants, or by growing from seed. This is because all commercial nurseries have to grow "decorative" plants with toxic systemic pesticides. They put this in the soil and the plants absorb it through their roots and into their tissues. It can't be rinsed off and it takes months to dissipate after replanting in "clean" soil. I'm told this is done to protect our agricultural industries.

The other way I do it is to scrounge all sorts of food from local sources. Cactus pads, mulberry trees, lavatera leaves, hollyhock, hibiscus, all sorts of weeds, and any kind of squash plant is easy to grow. I'll bet your neighbors, or places near you have these plants growing. I just got back from my Magical Mulberry Neighborhood with a literal truck load of mulberry branches for my herd. There is a neighborhood less than a mile from me that has 50+ large very mature mulberry trees, and the neighbors are thrilled that I come and prune their trees on the regular. Its a gold mine for someone with lots of tortoises to feed.

The guy that runs Green Landscape Nursery down here on Newhall Ave is a reptile guy. He can help you select plants, and let you know about the time frames for them to detoxify. That is also the place to get the orchid bark that I told AK about. Here is a picture of that if you guys want it:
View attachment 400733

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SinLA said:

If you make it down Burbank way, I have a number of hibscus and depending on the day, more flowers than can be eaten. In the last few weeks - some days there are a dozen flowers yellow, red and blue, some days none, but should you be in the area, send me a DM and I'll let you know what's blooming and you are welcome to take what you like. I also have roses, geraniums, mulberry leaves, honeysuckle, and gazanias, so there's always something available this time of year. Also cactus plants courtesy @Tom that he gave me a few years ago my guy doesn't like them unfortunately. Speaking of @Tom - should you ever want any cactus back.... lol

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SinLA said:

If you make it down Burbank way, I have a number of hibscus and depending on the day, more flowers than can be eaten. In the last few weeks - some days there are a dozen flowers yellow, red and blue, some days none, but should you be in the area, send me a DM and I'll let you know what's blooming and you are welcome to take what you like. I also have roses, geraniums, mulberry leaves, honeysuckle, and gazanias, so there's always something available this time of year. Also cactus plants courtesy @Tom that he gave me a few years ago my guy doesn't like them unfortunately. Speaking of @Tom - should you ever want any cactus back.... lol

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kara+arkady said:

@Tom
Arkady wants me to ask what is the best wood to use to build his new enclosure? I keep (per usual) getting conflicting information, and want to assure it's not toxic. What would YOU use?

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kara+arkady said:

Thank you SOOO much! Would it be possible to get your #? Or, I will learn how to DM here. Once his new enclosure is built, I will message you and we will 100% head your way for anything you're willing to offer him. Thank you deeply

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The_Four_Toed_Edward said:

Here is an easy way how to DM
1. Click SinLAs "name" here in the thread
2. A box will appear, now just press start conversation

Hope this helps!
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Tom said:

I don't use wood anymore. It rots with the constant substrate moisture that is necessary, and there is no store bought paint or sealant that will work to protect it. It's best to use expanded PVC sheets. I still bulb my outdoor boxes, but I just buy the indoor enclosures. My buddy Mark makes Smart Enclosures that are the best there is and reasonably priced too for all that you get. It's cheaper to buy it from him than it is to build one yourself and then buy and assembly all the heating and lighting. They come in 3x4 foot enclosures, and they are modular, so you can put as many in a row as you like. I have a 3x8 foot one in my garage, and my Mom has a 3x4 foot one in her living room for her blue tongue skink.

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kara+arkady said:

Thanks. I figured it out last night. My brain has been elsewhere to say the least. Took me all of 3 seconds to realize I can DM here

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