HCA: Hermit Crab Association

How can you tell if a fake (plastic) plant is safe for crabs? I understand they are sensitive to chemicals, and the mini aquarium plants I got yesterday at Petsmart have a chemical/plastic smell to them that didn't fade after washing in warm, unscented soapy water. They are labeled safe and non-toxic. I do have a particular aversion to many plastic smells, but maybe the smell is nothing to worry about? I am so careful about what they have in their crabitat otherwise, it seems odd to have these smelly plastic things. Any other suggestions for decorating with plants are welcome--my son is eager to make the crabbies feel more at home!

I've never had trouble using plastic pet store plants with the hermits. I agree, new aquarium plants smell awful!

They're safe. I use plastic plants from the pet store, WalMart, dollar tree, and craft stores with no problem. I give them a good wash in hot water and avoid any with glitter or added fragrance.

Thanks, y'all! I've left one of the plants in there and they seem to be ignoring it mostly, along with the sphagnum moss I got. I even took out the plant and gave it a good sniff (I am always smelling things, need to quit, LOL!) and it seems to be less smelly. I'll add the other, more stinky one next. At first they were really excited and checked everything out, including the salt water pool I made, but for the past week they've been hiding in their log mostly, not eating much, even though the temperature, humidity, substrate, etc. are all good. Guess it is just a down time in crabby land over here.