Live plants not only add a touch of nature to your terrarium, but also help to maintain humidity levels and provide hiding spots for your reptile.

However, it’s crucial to choose plants that are safe for your pet, as many common houseplants can be toxic (and fatal) if ingested. To help you navigate this, we’ve compiled a list of some of the top picks for non-toxic terrarium plants, suitable for various reptile species and terrarium environments:

Standard Picks for the Savvy Herpetoculturist:

• Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata): This popular and resilient succulent thrives in a variety of conditions, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced reptile owners. Its upright, sword-shaped leaves add a touch of sophistication to any terrarium, and it’s tolerant of neglect and low light.
• Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.): These unique plants don’t require soil and absorb moisture and nutrients from the air, making them ideal for terrariums with good air circulation. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, adding a whimsical touch to your reptile’s home.
• Bromeliads (Aechmea spp., Cryptanthus spp.): These eye-catching plants feature vibrant central rosettes and prefer moderate humidity. They are relatively low-maintenance and come in a wide range of colors and textures, adding a pop of color to your terrarium.

For the Tropical Terrarium:

• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): This lush fern thrives in humid environments and provides excellent hiding spots for arboreal reptiles. It prefers bright, indirect light and regular misting to maintain humidity.
• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This versatile vining plant is known for its air-purifying properties and ease of care. It tolerates a wide range of light conditions and can be trained to climb or cascade, providing both aesthetic appeal and climbing opportunities for your reptile.
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Another popular choice for beginners, the spider plant is known for its tolerance of neglect and low light. It produces spiderettes (baby spider plants) that can be propagated to create a fuller look in your terrarium.
• Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila): A fast-growing vine, the Creeping Fig can be allowed to climb the terrarium walls or trained over structures. It thrives in high humidity and can tolerate moderate to bright light.
• Red-Spotted Begonia (Begonia maculata): This stunning begonia features spotted foliage and, like most begonias, prefers high humidity and well-draining soil.
• Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): A popular choice for beginner reptile enthusiasts, the Golden Pothos is a fast-growing vine that tolerates a wide range of light and humidity conditions. Its trailing vines can be allowed to cascade down the terrarium walls or trained to climb structures, creating a lush, green environment.
• Red-veined Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): This beautiful plant has unique, patterned leaves that add a touch of the tropics to any terrarium. It prefers high humidity and well-draining soil, and it does best in indirect light.

Remember:

• Always research the specific needs of your chosen plant and reptile species to ensure compatibility.
• Quarantine new additions to any terrarium before adding them to the environment. If you are unsure about the bacteria or ride along critters that may come with your plant addition, be sure to quarantine the new plant in a space near (but not in) the terrarium. This will allow you to really see if there’s anything of concern with the new plant to be added.
• Wash plants thoroughly before placing them in the terrarium to remove any pesticides or harmful residues.
• Monitor your reptile’s behavior to ensure they are not ingesting the plants or getting sick by their presence.

By incorporating these non-toxic and visually appealing plants into your terrarium, you can create a beautiful and healthy environment for your reptile to thrive in.

Happy Herping! (hehe)

Exotic Pet Toys Disclaimer: While the plants listed in this article are generally considered safe for reptiles, it’s important to conduct thorough research on both the specific plant and your reptile species before introducing them into the terrarium. Consulting with a qualified veterinarian or reptile expert is always recommended to ensure the safety and well-being of your pet.