The jade jewel succulent thrives in dry areas and is a common wild plant. The plant requires such little upkeep, little light, and grows slowly enough that you may leave it alone for weeks at a time. Since they are safe, they are ideal for vivariums for crested geckos.
- The Jade Jewel’s green and white striped leaves offer your gecko a great climbing platform.
Because there is greater cover on the leaves or stems of this kind of plant, crested geckos like to climb on it to rest and conceal.
Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreens)
Aglaonema are a particular kind of plant that are ideal for crested gecko vivaria because they can tolerate low light levels and won’t get too big.
The Aglaonema is a plant with large leaves that have yellow margins and is well recognized for being low maintenance. Additionally, they feature lengthy stems that your crested geckos can climb on if they need more room than what their aquarium can provide.
This kind of plant is preferred by crested geckos because it offers great climbing opportunities as well as protection from outside animals.
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are a class of plants that do well in moist conditions, making them ideal for vivariums for crested geckos.
The bromeliads resemble vines in growth because of their long leaves, flowers that emerge from the top of the plant, and long leaves. Because it offers excellent climbing surfaces and shade from the sun, crest geckos adore these plants.
The following are some of the greatest bromeliads you may add to your crested gecko’s bioactive vivarium without risk:
- Aechmea (Aechmea spp.)
- Guzmania (Guzmania spp.)
- Neoregelia (Neoregelia spp.)
- Vriesea (Vriesea spp.)
- Tillandsia (Tillandsia spp.)
- Billbergia (Billbergia spp.)
- Cryptanthus (Cryptanthus spp.)
The leaves of bromeliads are strong and can readily sustain even the largest crested geckos, making them ideal for vivaria.
Zebra plant
The leaf of the zebra plant is shaped like an arrow, and it is a tall, thin tree. Crested geckos enjoy to hang out with the viney branches and climb on the leaves of this particular plant species, which may reach heights of up to six feet.
Zebra plants offer a lot of excellent activities to do inside the enclosure, such as climb about and explore all over them while concealing from other creatures that live there, making them ideal if you have larger vivariums where your crested gecko could become lost or just plain bored.
These kinds of trees are beneficial to crested geckos as well because they aid to regulate the humidity levels in the vivarium.
Spider plants
Excellent plants for cleansing the air, spider plants require little maintenance. They can reach a height of three feet and come in a variety of colors.
Crested geckos love to sit on top of the green leaves of this plant to hide from other animals that might be housed inside their cage with them.
Because there are so many places to hide behind the thick leaves of spider plants, crested geckos adore them. The plants might help your crested gecko live longer because they purify the air in the vivarium.
Peperomia (radiator plants)
Due to their low maintenance requirements and ability to grow up to one foot tall so that they can easily fit in small tanks, peperomia are also ideal plants for crested geckos.
Round leaves on these plants complement the crested gecko’s natural climbing abilities. When other creatures might disrupt their calm, the leaves give them several places to hide.
Because it makes it easier for them to climb and perch, crested geckos adore the texture of peperomia plant leaves.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Because they may grow to a height of 1-4 feet, with some species reaching a maximum height of six feet, peace lilies are another risk-free plant that is ideal for crested geckos. Because of the dark green color of the leaves, they will offer a wonderful area of shade that the crested gecko needs to stay cool during the sweltering summer days.
White flowers on the peace lily have a lovely scent and draw pollinators as well. The thick vines of these plants provide sites for climbing for crested geckos, who also enjoy foraging for food among the many bugs that hide within the petals.
Pillow moss
These pillow moss are a favorite snack of many crested geckos, especially the delicate feathered varieties. Because it is a secure and low-maintenance alternative, this plant is a fantastic addition to any reptile vivarium.
Pillow moss doesn’t require much water, so your pet lizard won’t find the vivarium to be overly damp or moist.
Tillandsia
Tillandsia is a tough plant that does well in vivariums with lots of lizards and other tank inhabitants.
These plants are popular with crested geckos for sunbathing, and they are frequently used as safe havens for them when they sense danger or fear in their surroundings.
There will be less mold growth inside the enclosure for you to clean up because the Tillandsia also creates oxygen, which helps to purify the air and reduce humidity.
Succulents—can they be grown in terrariums for geckos?
Succulents would be excellent. They don’t require water very frequently, and your tank would be fine for them as long as they don’t have thorns or spikes. They can also be purchased for not too much money almost anywhere.
Are genuine plants required by crested geckos?
It won’t be fun for your crested gecko to spend its entire existence in a barren, uninteresting vivarium. As a (semi-)arboreal pet, a crested gecko needs places to climb. So that they may leap, climb, and play, you should add some vegetation and plants. Many different plants, often known as terrarium plants, can be found in a nice crested gecko terrarium.
Because terrarium plants is the more popular word for these plants, that’s what I’m referring to. However, you’ll also find other websites—like this one—talking about vivaria and its inhabitants. There is no real difference in this situation.
Your crested gecko will enjoy the variety of activities provided by terrarium plants, which will keep him from becoming bored and allow him to behave naturally. The correct plants will also produce a habitat that mimics what your gecko might encounter in nature.
Toxic substances for crested geckos
Other frequent plants and seeds that are toxic to geckos include tomato plants, English ivy, oak trees, apricot pits, peach pits, pear seeds, and apple seeds. Make sure all plants in pet geckos’ habitats, including the vivarium and any spaces where they are permitted to roam, are safe by checking them twice.
Which vegetation do geckos prefer?
Leopard geckos are happy in basic homes, but realistic terrariums with live plants, rocks, and driftwood make for spectacular presentations. Leopard Gecko terrariums can be adorned with readily accessible arid-adapted species including aloes, ox tongue, snake plants, and others.
Although, by lizard standards, leopard geckos are not particularly active, they should nevertheless be allowed as much space as possible. A 15-20 gallon aquarium may suffice for a single adult, but a 20 gallon (long style) tank is recommended. A pair or trio will fit in a 30-55 gallon terrarium.
Although they prefer the ground, leopard geckos will also use sturdy driftwood and rocks. To prevent lizards from tunneling below and being crushed, rocks and other heavy objects should always be put on the terrarium’s floor rather than on the substrate.
There should be several caves or hide boxes available, ideally on both the warmer and cooler sides of the terrarium. For more information, please visit “Humidity and “Temperature below.
Your terrarium ought to have a screen top since air movement is crucial for species that are adapted to arid settings.
Adult geckos have long been kept on sand in zoos and private collections, and neither environment has caused me any issues. The majority of pet guardians, however, prefer to err on the side of caution because reports of impactions caused by sand ingestion do occur occasionally. A useful substitute are large stones and pebbles that cannot be swallowed. To create the appearance of a semi-desert atmosphere, add some dried grass. In order to reduce sand intake, it is advisable to offer food in big bowls or in a separate enclosure if you decide to add sand.
Hatchlings hunt awkwardly and frequently consume sand. Until their skills advance, use washable cage liners, newspapers, or paper towels. If you’d like, adults can also be maintained in this way.
Leopard geckos and other nocturnal lizards obtain their vitamin D3 needs from their diet alone and do not require a UVB light source.
The air around you should be between 78 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. You may maintain these temperatures at night with a ceramic heater or a red-and-black reptile “night light (these will also allow you to watch your gecko after dark). The placement of a below-tank heat mat or bulb should make one corner of the tank warmer (to 88 F) than the others.
If a thermal gradient (areas of differing temperatures) has to be established, large enclosures are required. By travelling from hot to cool locations, lizards can control their body temperature thanks to thermal gradients, which are essential to their wellbeing.
It is best to keep the substrate dry and the humidity low. If a cave stocked with damp sphagnum moss is not offered, shedding issues are likely. There should also be a dry hiding place provided.
For geckos, is potting soil safe?
Numerous online merchants provide top-notch soil mixtures for use in home terrariums. In addition to dried botanical materials like tree fern fiber (produced from the roots of Cyatheaceae fern species), they also contain a mixture of soils. True “Because it has a propensity to clump and get damp, soil is bad for terrarium use. Atlanta, Georgia’s Atlanta Botanical Gardens developed the “ABG Mix to support advantageous microbes that replicate natural cycles and allow for aeration. The speciality mixes include mixtures that are beneficial to both reptile and amphibian caretakers and orchid growers. For the health and attractiveness of a crested gecko display tank, this mixture is suggested.
Ordering everything online or from a pet store might not be cost-effective if you have a lot of tanks to fill. If you know what to look for and what to avoid, you can discover some nice selections in your neighborhood hydroponics and gardening stores. Start with topsoil, compost, or an excellent organic potting soil that hasn’t had any perlite, vermiculite, or wetting agents added. Get some coco fiber (coir) or peat moss next to give the mixture a little more body and help it retain moisture. These go by the names “soil enhancers. To offer diversity to the particle size and prevent compacted dirt, mix in 10–20 percent of cleaned play sand, the kind you can get for kids’ sandboxes. To suit the circumstances in your tank, you can alter this mixture. For temperate and tropical mixes, a tiny bit of sand works well, but for a desert animal, you should mix sand and soil instead of using soil conditioner because it will retain too much humidity or turn dusty in dry environment conditions.
The best way to properly plant the tank is to combine potting soil, compost, or topsoil with a fibrous, plant-based substance like peat moss or coir. Sphagnum moss that has decomposed and been gathered from natural bogs—many of which are habitats for endangered species—is called peat moss. The hairy portion of coconut husks, known as “coco fiber” or “coir,” is absorbent, expanding, and environmentally friendly. We do use both, but soil can be used again after thorough cleaning and sunbaking to kill microbes because peat fiber takes so long to decompose. You may “To eliminate the majority of pests, solarize soil by placing it in a black garbage bag and leaving it outside in the sun for a whole summer. Throw away any entamoeba or cryptosporidiosis-related material in a sealed plastic bag. Don’t jeopardize future pets’ life.
Keep in mind that any substrate with particulates (small bits) can cause problems. Peat and coir can both be consumed and swell in the colon, causing impaction, which has caused problems for some people. The risk is decreased when it is combined with compost or soil. Other advice for avoiding impaction is provided here:
- To separate our huge particles, use a screen.
- Put terrarium moss or leaf litter layer on top of the substrate.
- Use with adult crested geckos only.
- In the enclosure, avoid giving live meals; instead, use a feeding dish.
Step 3
It is clear how the coir loosens and becomes mashable. To lessen the risk of impaction, you can screen out the bigger bits and strands to make the particles as small as feasible.
Step 4
After you mix your substrate, make sure you have a competent soil inspector on hand!
In order to stimulate plant growth and to shelter a “cleaning crew” of springtails and isopods to break down solid wastes and microfauna to make the soil mix “bio-active,” the coco fiber can now be combined with sifted organic potting soil or compost. By doing this, tank cleaning and maintenance will be considerably reduced.
You can use straight coco-fiber, but if you eat it, there is a risk of impaction because the fibers stretch when they get wet, possibly in your stomach or intestines. Small soil particles can be mixed in to help reduce (but not completely eliminate) the risk.
Are Crested geckos safe with air plants?
The plants that can be used safely in crested gecko tanks are listed alphabetically below, along with information on each plant’s size, maintenance requirements, and other factors.
Creeping Wire Vine (Muehlenbeckia complexa)
The creeping wire vine, also known as the angel vine, is a native of New Zealand. Its long, wiry tendrils and thin, delicate leaves make it the perfect filler for a crested gecko tank.
Angel vines prefer humidity, therefore a crested gecko tank will be ideal for them. One to two times per week, water it, but make sure the water drains properly.
Planting angel vines in the warmest area of the tank, near the basking area or another heat source, is not recommended because they prefer indirect light. (If you use heat mats, though, it’s a different matter; nonetheless, we’ll cover that in more detail later in this post.)
Additionally, you’ll need to prune the angel vine fairly frequently because, if left unattended, its tendrils can grow up to 12 feet long.
Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
The bird’s nest fern is a lovely bright green fern with big leaves that provide for perfect hiding places for your crested gecko to go to when it needs to cool off.
It grows best when planted away from the basking area and near to the cold hide since it appreciates the level of moisture in the cresties’ tanks and prefers damp soil.
You will need to clip this fern to prevent it from becoming too huge for the tank because its leaves can get pretty massive. However, it doesn’t grow as quickly as many of the other plants on this list.
Bromeliads (Neoregelia sp.)
You can use bromeliads, which come in a wide range of colors, to great effect in the tank housing your crested gecko. They come in particularly handy when you want to add vibrant accents, and since they naturally grow on the sides of trees, they’re simple to cultivate in a tank.
Give them a base made of cork or bark so they have something to grow on and to stabilize them when your crested cat climbs all over them.
Excellent bromeliad plants to consider in your crested gecko tank include:
- Billbergia
- Cryptanthus
- Guzmania
- Neoregelia
- Vriesea.
Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema)
The Chinese evergreen is a gorgeous plant with green and white foliage that grows quickly. It is solid enough for your crested gecko to climb on and, when placed towards the back of the tank, creates a wonderful focus point.
Just keep in mind that the Chinese evergreen like humidity but not excessive moisture, so allow the soil to somewhat dry out between waterings.
This is one of the crestie plants that you may largely leave alone and prune as needed in terms of low-maintenance crestie plants.
Concinna Prayer Plant (Calathea concinna)
The concinna prayer plant has dark, waxy leaves and does well in a humid climate. It is so named because the leaves open and close in the morning and evening like hands in prayer.
Compared to some of the other plants on this list, the prayer plant does require more care. When watering, be sure to keep the well-draining soil moist but to avoid getting the leaves too wet.
Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila)
This creeper creates a mat-like tangle of vines that your crested gecko can climb about on, making it perfect for usage in the back of the tank. Additionally, because it “clings to pretty much any surface, it makes the perfect backdrop or filler plant for any crested fish tank.
When we state that this creeper thrives in humid environments, what we really mean is that you’ll need to trim it frequently to keep it under control and prevent it from taking over the entire tank. It grows quite quickly.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola)
The robust trunk and fanned leaf clusters on this modest tree—hence the name “umbrella”—make it the perfect place for crested geckos to climb and clamber. It is simple to keep trimmed down to size and appreciates the dampness of the crested gecko tank.
They want less water, so plant it on the tank’s colder side and let the soil get slightly arid between waterings.
Elephant Ears (Alocasia polly)
Large leaves on robust stalks make elephant ears a great climbing and tanning plant for cresties. While elephant ears often have dark green leaves with silver-white veins, several varieties do have different hues.
The elephant ear requires a lot of care and is not a good plant for beginners to keep in a crested fish’s tank, it should be emphasized. It should develop pretty nicely in the tank of your crested gecko if you keep it moist and make sure it doesn’t receive direct sunlight.
Goosefoot/ Arrowhead (Syngonium)
The goosefoot or arrowhead plant is a fantastic and very low-maintenance plant for the tank of your crested gecko. Normally, it has green and white foliage, but newer versions also have pink leaves, which makes it even more appealing.
Tip: Request the “Pink Syngonium” and “Neon Robusta” kinds if you’re seeking for the goosefoot variety that contains pink.
Although this plant is really simple to cultivate, it does need a lot of upkeep because it spreads out quickly and grows quickly.
For your crested gecko, you can create a superb vertical climbing platform with the aid of dry bamboo to grow against and around.
Indirect light is best for goosefoot, and it should have some time to dry out in between waterings. Depending on the size of the plant, water once or twice a week. The thirstier the plant, the bigger it will be.
Jade Jewel (Dracaena fragrans)
Another choice for crested gecko tanks is the jade jewel plant. Although its big leaves may appear floppy, they are actually substantial enough for a crested gecko to climb on.
It can be planted anywhere in the tank because it does well in a variety of lighting conditions.
The jade jewel requires less care even if your crestie spends the entire day climbing around on it because, unlike certain vivarium plants, it grows slowly. Ensure that your jade diamond is planted in well-draining soil as well.
Lemon Button Fern (Nephrolepis cordifolia)
The lemon button fern’s smell and leaf shape give it its name. As the stems aren’t sturdy enough for your crestie to climb on, this plant is better for concealment and decoration.
If you keep the fern damp (but not soggy) and keep it trimmed so it doesn’t take over the tank, it should also grow nicely. Plant it more on the tank’s cool side as well, away from the warm side and away from the area where the fish will be basking.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
In the aquarium of a crested gecko, fortunate bamboo can be used without risk. Additionally, you may add dried bamboo canes to the tank to give your crested other something to climb and explore. Some of the bamboo that is readily available has suckers so they can be attached to the tank’s sides.
Africa-native lucky bamboo, which is actually a kind of grass, is the perfect structural plant and focus point for your crested gecko’s aquarium. The plant looks even more amazing when purchased in twisted shapes, which is common.
These succulent-like plants can act as a “ladder” between plants in your crested gecko’s tank that are different heights and are perfect for your crested gecko to climb on. Don’t expose the lucky bamboo to excessive direct light. About once a week, water the plant to keep it moist.