For your dragon’s cage, succulents are an excellent choice because they will add a lot of elegance and are simple to maintain.
Just make sure you only purchase nontoxic succulents because many of them are not suitable for ingestion by dragons.
Keep an eye on how much your bearded dragon is consuming, as with any delicacy, as too much might cause diarrhea.
Check out this fantastic post about making dirt substrate if you intend to plant your succulent!
Jade Plant
Jade plants can withstand extremely dry circumstances, therefore they will thrive in a bearded dragon’s tank in addition to looking pleasant and green.
However, since such intense light could definitely harm the plant, I advise placing them on the opposite end from the UVB light.
However, I suggest placing it in soil to keep it alive and prevent it from dying.
Which succulents may be kept in a tank with a bearded dragon?
Reptiles can safely consume succulents like Aeonium, Schlumbergera, Haworthia, Echeveria, Stapelia, x Pachyveria, Lithops, and Sempervivum as well as prickly pears and dragon fruits.
Succulent plants’ leaves, in particular, are a favorite snack of reptiles. These plants give them a tasty food in the form of thick, sensitive leaves. It can be difficult to choose succulents that are safe for your reptile, though, because there are so many different varieties in the wild.
The succulents that reptiles can consume are listed in the following table along with their scientific names:
Aeonium’ Tree houseleek’
- Aeonium, scientific name
- The term “tree houseleek”
- Canary Islands native
- The Crassulaceae family
- Aeonium, a genus
Succulent aeoniums grow in arid environments. They stand out by having huge, thick petals. Depending on the area where they grow, they come in a variety of sizes. Those that grow in Moroccan soil differ from those from the Canary Islands in certain ways.
Schlumbergera’ Christmas cactus’
- Schlumbergera Schlumberger, S.
- Common names include crab cactus and Christmas cactus.
- Originally from: southeast Brazil
- the Cactaceae family
- Schlumbergera, genus
Lilac blossoms are commonly found on Christmas cacti. These succulents have a maximum height of 12 inches. Usually, they are simple to cultivate and maintain. Warmer temperatures are necessary for them to bloom.
For the majority of reptile species, the Christmas cactus is a nourishing succulent. Since they don’t have spines on the stem, they are safe for reptiles.
Succulents: Are they harmful to reptiles?
Succulents and reptiles complement each other like peanut butter and jelly. Live plants and herps are interacting with one another in captivity more than ever since bio-active vivariums are becoming more and more popular with lizard enthusiasts and other scale-sniffers.
Make sure the plants you choose for your reptile fulfill their needs and won’t harm it. A few succulents can be toxic to reptiles, however the majority are not. This list of plants that you can rely on to protect your pet reptilian overlord, *cough*, was created for that reason.
In the event of an accidental nibble, none of these plants are poisonous to reptiles. Additionally, none of them have especially sharp spines, so your pet will also be shielded from harm. You must decide if the care each succulent requires fits with your reptile’s requirements for humidity and light after reading our descriptions of each one.
Can actual plants be placed in a tank housing a bearded dragon?
Keep in mind that there are at least 500 known species in the genus Aloe, which is a sizable one. Stick to smaller kinds and cultivars because some of these species can get quite huge and resemble trees in size.
While the majority of aloe plants have green or greenish leaves, some have really attractive mottled patterns.
Dwarf Jade Plants (Portulacaria afra)
Dwarf jade plants often develop into little trees in the wild and are indigenous to the arid, rocky regions of eastern South Africa.
They may, however, be kept quite tiny with routine pruning, which is one of the reasons bonsai enthusiasts also like them.
Bearded dragons are not believed to be hazardous to dwarf jade plants, and people even consume the leaves in salads.
However, it’s crucial to distinguish between the Portulacaria afra, or dwarf jade plant, that we’re talking about here and the more common (and comparable-looking) jade plant (Crassula ovata).
The latter is somewhat poisonous, while the former is regarded to be fully safe.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
This common culinary herb is a decent addition to your bearded dragon’s habitat.
Basil grows best outdoors, but with care and excellent lighting, it may also be made to thrive indoors (for example, in the enclosure that houses your dragon). Basil does great in a terrarium since it grows best when kept at a moderate temperature.
Basil is indigenous to Southeast Asia’s damp climates, which is obviously not a very similar environment to that of your bearded dragon.
However, because the plant does not tolerate wet roots well, you can typically give it enough water to survive because the substrate of your bearded dragon has efficient drainage.
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is an excellent choice for your bearded dragon’s enclosure and is another common culinary plant.
If correctly configured, parsley can be grown indoors, however it thrives in actual sunlight.
Nevertheless, it can persist for a time in warm, well-lit terraria before starting to become quite spindly.
The fact that parsley is not only a food plant but also a reasonably nutritional one makes it the perfect choice for installation in your bearded dragon’s habitat.
Parsley can be grown in your habitat to make sure your pet always has access to nice, eatable vegetation. Some keepers regularly add parsley on their pet’s food.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Another herb you might want to think about including in your dragon’s habitat is oregano.
Although your bearded probably won’t be too interested in it, oregano is safe, tasty, and devoid of any other potential hazards like thorns.
The Mediterranean region of Europe and western Asia are the natural home of oregano, where it thrives in the region’s somewhat warm and dry climate.
Additionally, oregano needs a soil or substrate with great drainage, just as many other plants. Oregano is an excellent choice for the habitat of your bearded dragon because of both of these qualities.
Mulberry (Morus spp.)
The mulberry is a woody plant that frequently develops into a true tree, in contrast to the succulents and plants we’ve already discussed.
This implies that you’ll need to constantly prune it to maintain it small enough to fit in your pet’s habitat, and even then, owners who give their dragon a relatively tall enclosure will benefit from having it the most.
Mulberry plants should usually be kept in a separate pot rather than being planted directly in the substrate of your lizard’s habitat because they need more water and moisture than the other plants we’ve talked about.
In order to make sure the plant gets enough sunlight, this will also make it simple to move it outdoors on a regular basis.
Are reptiles safe to use aloe vera?
I think aloe vera is healthy for both leopard geckos and bearded dragons, however I think it also has a laxative effect on them. Although I’m not 100% certain with the gecko, I’m confident with beardies, thus I personally wouldn’t take a chance. A lizard who is continually sick with diarrhea is not one you want. Vera grows really large and may invade your vivarium, possibly in more haste than it’s worth.
With what can a bearded dragon coexist?
Many animals like socializing with pals, just like humans. However, most reptiles do not have this trait. Reptiles can survive without other animals in the same aquarium and do well on their own. In general, it is advisable to house reptiles separately.
When correctly set up in same-species tanks, certain lizards (bearded dragons, anoles, and geckos) and chelonians (turtles and tortoises) can coexist peacefully. However, even if they are of the same species, snakes should normally not be kept together in one tank and are best kept alone.
These six precautions will assist ensure success if you plan to keep more than one reptile in a tank.
Feeding period for Northern Red-bellied Cooters, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region/Flickr Creative Commons
Don’t Limit SpaceBigger is Better
Make sure the tank is firstly big enough to accommodate multiple reptiles. Regardless of species, every reptile needs enough room to move around, hide, feed, bask, and generally avoid being seen by the other reptile (s). The largest error that reptile owners make is purchasing a tank that is too small to accommodate numerous animals. Without enough room, animals housed together are more prone to engage in fighting over territory and suffer injuries. Additionally, larger tanks typically need more thermometers, heat sources, and lighting to assist maintain stable environmental conditions.
Additional rocks will be required if the tank is aquatic to guarantee that there is enough dry ground for more than one pet, and additional branches will be required if the species is arboreal (tree-climbing) to ensure that everyone has a place to perch. Generally speaking, a bigger tank is better.
Don’t Mix Species
Do not mix animals; only house those of the same kind. Leopard geckos, for instance, can live with other leopard geckos but not with crested or day geckos. Distinct species have different needs in terms of temperature, humidity, light, and heat. Therefore, it is better to keep to the same species when harboring multiple reptiles in the same aquarium.
Do Limit Your Tank to One Male: Sex Matters!
Females of the same species can typically be maintained in groups with or without one male. However, as males are more territorial than females and are more inclined to fight, only one male should be kept in the tank. This is merely a generalization because females might fight among themselves, and certain males may torment females when they approach them in search of a mate but are rejected. Because of this, tankmates must be actively watched for fighting when a new reptile is added and the social structure is changed, regardless of the gender distribution in the tank.
In order to prevent damage, reptiles should be quickly separated if any aggressive behavior is seen.
Don’t Forget to Quarantine Before Adding
Regardless of species, a new reptile should be examined by a vet who is knowledgeable about reptiles and confined for at least a month to make sure it doesn’t have an infectious disease that can spread to other pets.
A seemingly healthy reptile may develop sickness (such gastrointestinal parasites) when brought into its new enclosure when agitated by the change in surroundings. For the newly introduced reptile or the current pets, this may lead to disease or even death. Therefore, it is possible to avert terrible loss by housing the new introduction separately for at least a month and keeping an eye out for any signs of illness.
Do Prepare for More Cleaning
In a tank with two animals, there will be two times as much waste food and two times as much feces and pee. All of this waste can quickly accumulate in a tank, resulting in high ammonia levels, subpar living conditions, and a higher risk of illness spread. As a result, keeping multiple pets in a tank necessitates more frequent spot cleaning of the bedding as well as more frequent entire tank disinfection.
There will be more waste in the water if the tank is aquatic and there are more turtles in a larger tank, necessitating a more potent filter. All of this adds up to additional labor for multiple pets. Before making the ultimate choice to include a new reptile, this will need to be taken into account.
Do Prepare for the Cost: Twice the Number of Pets = Twice the Expense
In addition to need a larger tank, having more creatures implies having more bedding, food, and cage accessories (lights, heaters, rocks, plants, etc.). As a result, tank setup and maintenance are both more expensive.
Additionally, reptiles require veterinarian care, such as annual exams and deworming. Given that many reptiles, depending on species, might live dozens of years or longer, a reptile owner should think about whether they have the financial resources on hand to fund medical treatment for more than one reptile over the long term.
Do Remember that Animals Have Personalities Too
All types of reptiles make wonderful pets. They can be sociable, enjoyable, and content when living alone. Make sure the addition is acceptable and take all necessary measures before you add a friend to your existing reptile’s tank or cage.
Remember that not all reptiles, even those of the same species, want to share an enclosure, so pay close attention to how the animals interact even after you’ve added them. Some people are more introverted than others, just like people. Some believe it is best for everyone if neighbors live adjacent to one another rather than sharing a home.
Can I place a real cactus in the tank with my bearded dragon?
Plant life is a crucial component of a bearded dragon’s habitat, in addition to UVB light and heat lamps. Plants are attractive to bearded dragons because they offer cover from light sources and cover for when they feel threatened or under pressure from other creatures in the tank.
Here are 11 secure plants for the tank of your bearded dragon:
Ficus
One of the greatest safe plants to place in a bearded dragon’s aquarium is a ficus plant. They grow from cuttings, so they don’t require replanting. It is a good idea to position these plants where bearded dragons can easily access them because they will eat the leaves from them.
The subtropical Ficus thrives outdoors in the summer but needs to be kept within when the temperature falls below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. It thrives indoors since it doesn’t need a lot of light or water, and if it’s taken care of properly, it won’t need to be replanted for years.
There are numerous types, some of which are fairly well-known, such as weeping figs, so named because they hang down from their branches like “tails.”
Aloe Vera Plant
Bearded dragons love aloe vera plants because they provide a safe haven for them to hide and sleep. They can also make shaded regions in the bearded dragon’s enclosure.
Aloe vera plants are an excellent addition to help imitate this type of climate because they are frequently found in the natural habitat of reptiles, which is dry and semi-dry places.
To prevent the roots of your aloe vera plants from becoming overly crowded and spreading out across the ground, which could harm the substrate, make sure the reptile pet’s enclosure has adequate room.
Additionally, pick small aloe vera plant species since they are easier to manage in enclosures.
To avoid overwatering that could harm the plant and endanger the pet reptile, the succulent will need to get the barest amount of water.
Jade Plant (Portulacaria afra)
Jade plants thrive in both dry and moist environments, making them ideal for bearded dragon tanks. They don’t require much light, so you can put them on the tank’s backside where they’ll get less sunshine than other plants.
Jade is particularly low care because it grows slowly and needs little maintenance, making it ideal for vivariums that require little disruption.
The glossy, green leaves of these plants are not poisonous to bearded dragons. They can be used as ornamental plants in bear habitats.
- To make good use of the limited area, put a dwarf species of jade plant in the reptile pet’s aquarium.
- Maintaining the jade plant’s tiny size and preventing it from occupying too much space at the detriment of your pet lizard requires frequent pruning.
Precaution: Some jade plant species, including Crassula ovata, may have a low toxicity level for lizards. Make sure to purchase the Portulacaria afra jade plant for your pet’s aquarium.
Prickly pear cactus
Cactus species that are edible, such the Opuntia species, are consumed by bearded dragons. Prickly pear cactus is a fantastic choice if you want to give the bearded dragon’s tank some color without introducing any invasive species.
- The spines on prickly pear cacti can be used by your pet as a climbing aid.
- It is an excellent vegetable to give your gecko.
- The level of moisture is high.
- When your pet consumes the cactus, they will get more hydrated.
Due to their capacity for storing moisture from rainwater within unique cells around their stems and leaves when they are developing in times of abundance as well as during drought periods, prickly pear cactus flourish in dry environments. They will therefore need very little maintenance once planted in the gecko’s environment.
Bromeliads
Bearded dragons typically spend a portion of their time in trees and bushes, hiding out behind leaves for shelter. They have also been observed chewing on dead limbs and leaves. It is advisable to include plants with bark or dead leaf debris in your bearded dragon’s habitat because of these two activities.
Bromeliads are a great option because they will offer the following advantages:
- For chewing, the surface is rather rough.
- Bromeliads are excellent for adding extra protection from the heat and light that can overstress your pet during the day.
Here are some excellent bromeliads for the tank of your bearded dragon:
- Plant arrowhead (Syngonium podophyllum)
- Orchid from Ivory Towers (Cyrtopodium punctatum)
- Tillandsia usneoides, sometimes called Java fern and Spanish moss tree
Echeveria
Bearded dragons can find a secure hiding place to rest and play in echeveria plants. They are safe for your pet and can be wonderful additions to the habitat of your bearded dragon because they are not harmful to reptiles.
Because echeveria plants are succulents, they require less water and prefer cooler temperatures. For reptiles who prefer to stay cool in their tanks without heating it up with high-temperature lamps above or basking stations at the bottom of the enclosure, they make the perfect plant.
These plants can be found growing in soil or on rocks, and they have a variety of morphologies, including small rosettes of leaves that are closely spaced, long-stemmed variants that droop like an umbrella, enormous clumps of tapered, sword-like leaves up to 18 inches broad, and some even contain flowers.
They require relatively little maintenance and do nicely in terrariums. If you want to put your beardie’s enclosure on display in a prominent location in your home, you may also use them as ornamental plants.
Spider plant
Any bearded dragon tank would benefit from the inclusion of the spider plant. These plants will offer shade and humidity to reptile pets and are perfectly safe for them.
You’ll have lots of variety to choose from when planning the landscape of your enclosure thanks to the 16 distinct species of this type of plant!
For the spider plant to develop healthily and happily, place it on the side of the vivarium that receives bright to moderate light. To keep the plant from expanding and overcrowding the tank, you might need to cut it frequently.
Don’t give your bearded dragon any spider plants, please. It is unknown if this sap will make them uncomfortable.
Snake plants
Bearded dragons can consume snake plants without harm. If you’re searching for a low-maintenance addition to your tank’s landscape, they are some of the best plants to pick. Since they grow slowly and don’t require much light, feeding them is also not a problem.
- Long leaves on snake plants, also known as mother-in-tongue, law’s offer excellent protection from predators like lizards, frogs, and cats.
The leaves of this green species will be scorched by direct sunlight, so plant it somewhere where it receives moderate degrees of filtered or indirect sun exposure! Avoid feeding your pet reptiles on these plants because it has been reported that doing so can make their excrement poisonous.
Every few weeks when it flowers, you can easily prune this gorgeous houseplant to keep it from occupying too much space in the vivarium by cutting off at least two inches from the base.
Don’t feed your bearded dragon snake plants, please. They contain saponins, similar to those found in aloe vera, which bearded dragons and other reptiles may find toxic to their digestive systems.
Tillandsia Ionantha
Bearded dragons can safely consume the little, simple-to-grow plant Tillandsia Ionantha.
A soft, lush green plant with long leaves known as Tillandsia ionantha is found in nature all around the world. This particular variety of bromeliad has water stored in its middle, making it difficult to dry out and simple to maintain.
Tillandsias are excellent plants for reptiles maintained in enclosures, particularly bearded dragons, because they thrive well indoors.
However, they require daily misting because they dislike spending too much time in moist soil because it causes mold and overgrowth, which could make them sick. Additionally, they require fertilization with a slow-release plant meal.