Key Takeaway:
- Choose plants that are safe and suitable for crested geckos, considering factors such as safety, suitability, size, and maintenance.
- Some of the best plants for crested gecko terrariums are Pothos, Creeping Fig, Spider Plant, Radiator Plant, Snake Plant, and ZZ Plant.
- Avoid toxic plants such as Aloe Vera, Dieffenbachia, Peace Lily, Sago Palm, and Jade Plant.
Crested geckos are fascinating and low-maintenance pets that are gaining popularity among reptile enthusiasts.
Keeping your crested gecko healthy and happy requires a suitable habitat, and a crucial part of that is providing live plants.
However, not all plants are safe for crested geckos, as they may contain harmful chemicals or be too rough on their delicate skin.
In this article, we will present a list of the 6 best plants that are safe and suitable for crested geckos, along with tips on how to care for them in your terrarium.
What To Consider Before Putting Plants in Your Crested Gecko Tank
Before adding plants to your crested gecko tank, there are a few key factors to consider. Here are some important points to keep in mind:
- Safety: Make sure that the plants you choose are safe for your crested gecko and free from harmful chemicals.
- Suitability: Consider the lighting and humidity levels in your terrarium and choose plants that will thrive in those conditions.
- Size: Choose plants that are appropriate in size for your terrarium, as you want to make sure there is enough room for your crested gecko to move around comfortably.
- Maintenance: Make sure you are prepared to care for the plants properly, including watering and trimming as necessary.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you can ensure that the plants in your crested gecko tank are both safe and beneficial for your pet.
6 Safe Plants For Crested Geckos
Pothos is a popular and easy-to-care-for plant that is ideal for a crested gecko terrarium.
It is known for its tolerance to a wide range of lighting and temperature conditions and can grow in both water and soil.
The leaves are a bright green and have a glossy appearance, and the vines can be trained to climb or hang down in the terrarium.
Ficus Pumila (Creeping Fig)
- Inexpensive
Creeping Fig is a small, trailing plant that is perfect for adding some greenery to the bottom of a crested gecko terrarium.
It grows quickly and is easy to care for, and its small size makes it suitable for smaller terrariums.
Chlorophytum Comosum (Spider Plant)
- Easy to care for
Spider Plant is a hardy and low-maintenance plant that is ideal for a crested gecko terrarium.
Its small size and tolerance to a wide range of light conditions make it a great option for smaller terrariums.
Its leaves are long and narrow, and the plant produces small white flowers.
Peperomia (Radiator Plant)
- Keeps the air clean
The radiator Plant is a small, slow-growing plant that is well-suited to a crested gecko terrarium.
It can tolerate a range of lighting conditions and is easy to care for. Its small leaves are a bright green and can add a pop of color to the terrarium.
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
- Can tolerate low lights
The snake Plant is a low-maintenance and hardy plant that is ideal for a crested gecko terrarium.
It can tolerate low light levels and infrequent watering, making it a great option for those who may not have a lot of time to devote to plant care.
The long, upright leaves of the Snake Plant can add height and texture to the terrarium, and its durability makes it a good choice for a pet environment.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
- Doesn’t need direct light for growth
ZZ Plant is a hardy and easy-to-care-for plant that is ideal for a crested gecko terrarium.
It is a slow-growing plant and can tolerate low light levels, making it a great option for those who may not have a lot of time to devote to plant care.
The shiny, green leaves of the ZZ Plant can add some brightness and texture to the terrarium, and its low maintenance requirements make it a good choice for a pet environment.
Toxic Plants For Crested Geckos That Should Be Avoided
It is important to avoid toxic plants in a crested gecko terrarium. Here is a list of some toxic plants to avoid:
Aloe Vera
This popular succulent is toxic to crested geckos and should not be included in their terrarium.
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia is a common houseplant that is toxic to crested geckos.
Its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and digestive system of crested geckos.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lily is a common houseplant that is toxic to crested geckos. Its leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that can irritate the mouth and digestive system of crested geckos.
Sago Palm
Sago Palm is a common houseplant that is toxic to crested geckos. Its seeds contain a toxic substance called cycasin that can cause liver damage if ingested.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade Plant is a succulent that is toxic to crested geckos. Its leaves contain oxalates that can irritate the mouth and digestive system of crested geckos.
It is important to always research the specific needs and potential dangers of any plants you plan to include in a crested gecko terrarium to ensure their health and safety.
What Plants Are Ok For Crested Geckos?
It is best to use plants that are safe and non-toxic for crested geckos in their terrariums. Here are a few examples of safe plants for crested geckos:
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Ficus pumila (Creeping Fig)
- Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)
- Peperomia (Radiator Plant)
- Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
- Maranta leuconeura (Prayer Plant)
- Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
- Dracaena marginata (Red-Edged Dracaena)
Do Crested Geckos Need Real Plants?
Crested geckos do not necessarily need real plants in their terrariums, but adding live plants can have many benefits for both the gecko and their environment.
Live plants can help to regulate humidity levels, provide shelter and hiding places for the gecko, and create a more natural and aesthetically pleasing environment.
Real plants can also help to clean the air in the terrarium by removing harmful pollutants and adding oxygen.
Additionally, live plants can serve as a source of food for crested geckos, although they are primarily insectivores and do not rely on plant material for their diet.
While live plants can have many benefits, it is important to choose safe and non-toxic plants and to research the specific care requirements for each plant to ensure their health and the health of your crested gecko.
Artificial plants can also be used in the terrarium, but they do not provide the same benefits as live plants.
Are Air Plants Safe For Crested Geckos?
Air plants (Tillandsia spp.) are generally safe for crested geckos and can be a good option for adding some greenery to their terrarium.
Air plants do not require soil to grow and can be attached to various surfaces, making them easy to care for and a low-maintenance option for a crested gecko terrarium.
It is important to note that air plants can absorb and retain moisture, which can create a humid microclimate within the terrarium.
This can be beneficial for crested geckos, who prefer a humid environment, but it is important to monitor the humidity levels in the terrarium to ensure they do not become too high.
Summary
Adding live plants to a crested gecko terrarium can have many benefits, such as regulating humidity levels, providing shelter and hiding places, and creating a more natural and aesthetically pleasing environment.
It is important to choose safe and non-toxic plants and research their specific care requirements to ensure their health and the health of your crested gecko.
