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Growing a bonsai tree is an art of perfection. It takes so much time, effort, consistency, and patience to grow a complete bonsai tree.
But are you ready to give that precious bonsai tree to your bearded dragon pet? Can bearded dragons eat bonsai? Is it safe for them or not?
This article will tell you everything you need to know about bonsai trees and bearded dragons. Buckle up & let’s go!
Do bearded dragons eat bonsai leaves
Bearded dragons might eat the leaves of bonsai trees.
Bearded dragons love to eat a variety of things like vegetables, insects, and green leaves. If you will put a bonsai tree in the cage of your bearded dragon then chances are that it will try to eat the leaves of that bonsai plant when it’s hungry.
Now the main question in your mind should be, what will happen if your bearded dragon eats the leaves of the bonsai tree? Is it safe? OR will it affect its health?
Let’s find it out here:
Is it safe for bearded dragons to eat bonsai
There is not a simple YES or NO answer to this question. It depends upon the species of the bonsai plant and whether it is poisonous or not.
Bonsai trees are available in a vast variety of species. Some of the bonsai trees are poisonous because they contain toxic compounds that can harm the health of your bearded dragon and cause serious problems. For example, Fig, Sago Palm, and Azalea are some of the most poisonous species of bonsai trees.
On the other hand, some of the bonsai trees are completely non-toxic. They do not contain any harmful compounds or toxins. For example, Money tree bonsai, Parlor palm, Prayer plant, and Bamboo palm, are non-toxic and completely safe for pets to eat.
If your bearded dragon ate a toxic bonsai plant, then its health will be seriously affected.
But if your bearded dragon eats a non-toxic bonsai plant, then it will be completely safe and there will be no bad impact on its health.
Is my bonsai tree toxic for bearded dragons
Now as you have learned that toxic bonsai trees can be poisonous for your bearded dragon.
So, you must be thinking that is my bonsai tree toxic for bearded dragons? How can you find out whether your bonsai tree is toxic or not?
There are a few ways to find out:
1. Check the card of your bonsai tree
When you purchase a bonsai tree, you usually get a card that has all the instructions and care guidelines for the plant.
You can read it to determine whether your bonsai tree is toxic or not.
2. Call the seller
One more easy way is to call the place from where you purchased that bonsai tree. You can ask them whether this bonsai tree is toxic or not.
3. Use the internet
Internet is full of info about different species of bonsai plants.
If you know about the species name and other details of your bonsai tree then you can Google them and find out if this species of bonsai is toxic or not.
4. Consider it toxic
If you have tried every possible method but still don’t know whether your bonsai tree is toxic or not, then you should assume that your plant is toxic. Therefore, avoid putting it close to your bonsai tree for safety purposes.
Can I keep a live bonsai plant in the tank of a bearded dragon
Yes, you can keep a live bonsai plant in the tank of your bearded dragon.
But there are some extremely important points that you need to know:
1. The plant must be non-toxic
If your bonsai tree is toxic for pets then you must never put it close to your bearded dragon as it can be dangerous for health.
Only keep a non-toxic and safe bonsai tree in the tank.
2. Do you have time to take care of it?
If you are keeping a live bonsai plant in the tank of a bearded dragon, then you should be ready to devote extra time & energy to taking care of the plant too.
3. Can you afford any damage to the bonsai plant?
Bonsai plants are very precious because it takes a lot of time, energy, effort, and patience to grow.
Is it okay for you if the Bearded dragon eats its leaves or breaks any branches?
If your answer is yes and you don’t care about the plant, then you can keep it.
If your answer is no and you don’t want to risk the plant, then don’t keep the live bonsai plant in the tank of a bearded dragon.
Can you use artificial bonsai trees for bearded dragons
Using artificial bonsai trees for bearded dragons has some risks and many benefits at the same time.
A lot of people try to decorate the tank of bearded dragons with plants and flowers, etc. It makes the bearded dragon feel like he’s living in a natural habitat.
These days, you also have artificial bonsai trees available in the market that are made of plastic.
Is it a good idea to use them for bearded dragons?
Well, here are the benefits and drawbacks:
Benefits of using artificial bonsai tree for bearded dragon
- You do not have to water the plant or maintain it every day. It saves a lot of time & energy.
- Your bearded dragon can easily climb over it without breaking or damaging the plant.
- You can move the plant whenever you want.
- You can wash the plant whenever it gets dirty.
Drawbacks of using artificial bonsai tree for bearded dragon
- The plastic used for making the artificial bonsai plant can be of cheap standard and toxic for your bearded dragon.
- Bearded dragons can swallow any part of the artificial plant and may choke. It can be a potential safety risk.
We told you about the risk and benefits of using an artificial bonsai plant. A lot of people do use them. So, now it depends on how comfortable you are with taking those risks.
Conclusion
If your bonsai tree is toxic and poisonous, then a bearded dragon should never have it as it’s dangerous for health.
