Leopard geckos are one of the most popular reptile species kept as pets due to their docile nature, low maintenance requirements and unique appearance. Native to the arid regions of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan, they are well adapted to hot and dry climates.
When setting up a leopard gecko enclosure, it’s important to create a habitat that closely mimics their natural environment. An often overlooked aspect of this is the inclusion of live plants in the enclosure. Plants not only add aesthetic value to the enclosure, but also provide many benefits for the well-being of the leopard gecko, such as increased humidity, hiding places and a more natural environment in which to thrive.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best plants to add to a leopard gecko’s enclosure, as well as the factors to consider when choosing and caring for them. Whether you’re an experienced reptile enthusiast or a new owner looking to improve your pet’s habitat, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about incorporating live plants into your leopard gecko’s enclosure.
Related content: Leopard gecko care guide
Factors to Consider When Choosing Plants
There are several factors to consider when selecting live plants for a leopard gecko’s tank. Here are some of the most important factors to consider:
Non-toxicity
One of the most important factors to consider is whether the plant is safe for your leopard gecko to eat. Some plants are toxic to reptiles and can cause serious health problems if ingested. It’s important to do your research and ensure that any plant you choose is non-toxic to your pet.
Size and growth rate
The size and growth rate of the plant is also an important factor to consider. You want to choose plants that won’t outgrow the enclosure and become too large for your leopard gecko to navigate around. Also, plants that grow too fast may require frequent pruning or become unruly, which can make the enclosure look messy and unattractive.
Light requirements
Like all plants, those in a leopard gecko enclosure need adequate lighting to thrive. Different plants have different light requirements, so it’s important to choose plants that can tolerate the amount of light available in the tank. If you’re unsure about a plant’s light requirements, consult a specialist or do some research before making a purchase.
Temperature and humidity tolerance
Leopard geckos require a certain range of temperature and humidity to remain healthy. Some plants are more tolerant of these conditions than others, so it’s important to choose plants that can thrive in the same environment as your pet.
Maintenance requirements
Finally, you’ll want to consider the maintenance requirements of each plant you choose. Some plants require more care than others and may need frequent watering, pruning or fertilising. If you don’t have the time or resources to care for a high-maintenance plant, it may be better to choose something simpler and easier to maintain.
Top Plants Suitable for Leopard Gecko Tanks
- Snake Plant
- Spider Plant
- Aloe Vera
- Pothos
- Jade Plant
- Haworthia
- Echeveria
- Succulents
- Christmas cactus
Snake plant (Sansevieria spp.)
Snake plants are a great option for leopard gecko tanks as they are low maintenance, require minimal watering and can tolerate a range of light conditions. They also help to purify the air, which can be beneficial for both your pet and your home.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are another low maintenance option that can tolerate a range of light conditions. They are non-toxic, making them safe for leopard geckos to be around, and they produce small plantlets that can be propagated to create additional plants for the enclosure.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is an excellent plant to add to a leopard gecko enclosure because it can help to improve the air quality in the enclosure.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of light and temperature conditions. It grows quickly, making it a great option for filling in empty spaces in the enclosure, and it’s also non-toxic and safe for leopard geckos to be around.
Jade plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are a type of succulent that are easy to care for and tolerate dry conditions. They are non-toxic and safe for leopard geckos and their unique appearance can add visual interest to the enclosure.
Haworthia (Haworthia spp.)
Haworthia is another succulent that is easy to care for and tolerates dry conditions. It’s non-toxic and safe for leopard geckos and its small size makes it a great option for smaller enclosures.
Echeveria (Echeveria spp.)
Echeveria is a succulent that is easy to care for and tolerates dry conditions. Its unique rosette-shaped leaves and bright colours can add visual interest to the enclosure, and it’s non-toxic and safe for leopard geckos.
Succulents
In general, succulents are a great option for leopard gecko tanks as they are low maintenance, require minimal watering and can tolerate dry conditions. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and colours, making it easy to find one to suit your pet’s enclosure. In addition, most succulents are non-toxic and safe for leopard geckos to be around.
Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera spp.)
Christmas Cacti are non-toxic and thrive in low to moderate light levels and low to moderate humidity. They are also slow-growing and require minimal maintenance, making them a great addition to a leopard gecko tank. Additionally, their colorful blooms can provide visual interest and enrichment for your pet.
Which Plants to Avoid
Any plants that are toxic or poisonous to reptiles, such as ivy, oleander and philodendron.
Plants that require high humidity, as leopard geckos are from arid climates and do not tolerate high humidity well. Examples of plants that need high humidity are ferns and orchids.
Plants that require high levels of light. Examples of plants that require high light are cacti. For obvious reasons, cacti can also hurt the delicate leopard gecko skin.
Plants that grow quickly and require frequent pruning, as leopard gecko tanks are usually smaller and may not have enough space to accommodate fast-growing plants. Examples of fast-growing plants are bamboo and English ivy.
Using Real vs Fake Plastic Plants in a Leopard Gecko Tank
There are advantages and disadvantages to using both real and artificial plants in a leopard gecko tank.
Real plants offer many benefits, including improving air quality, regulating humidity levels and creating a more natural and aesthetically pleasing environment for your pet. In addition, live plants can provide a source of food for your leopard gecko if it chooses to nibble on them. However, real plants require more maintenance than artificial ones, including regular watering, pruning and fertilising. They can also be more expensive and may not last as long as plastic plants.
On the other hand, artificial plants are low maintenance and do not need watering or care. They can also be less expensive and can last for years without needing to be replaced. However, they do not offer the same benefits as real plants and can look less natural and visually appealing.
| Real Plants | Fake Plastic Plants | |
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Improve air quality | Low-maintenance |
| Regulate humidity levels | No watering or care needed | |
| Provide natural environment | Inexpensive | |
| Nutritious for leopard geckos | Long-lasting | |
| Cons | Require more maintenance | Do not improve air quality |
| More expensive | Do not regulate humidity | |
| May not last as long | Less visually appealing |
How to Incorporate Plants in a Leopard Gecko Enclosure
Incorporating plants into a leopard gecko tank can be a great way to create a more natural and visually appealing environment for your pet. Here are some tips on how to do this:
Choose the right container for the plant: When choosing plants for your leopard gecko tank, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the container the plant will be placed in. Make sure that the container is suitable for the size of the plant and that it has adequate drainage to prevent water accumulating in the soil and causing root rot.
Plant placement and arrangement: When arranging plants in your leopard gecko tank, consider the placement of heat sources, hiding boxes and other items to create a natural looking environment. It’s also important to ensure that the plants do not block access to important areas of the enclosure, such as the food and water stations.
How to maintain and care for plants in the enclosure: Proper care and maintenance is essential to keep plants in a leopard gecko tank healthy and thriving. This includes regular watering, pruning and fertilising as required. It’s also important to monitor the temperature and humidity levels in the enclosure to ensure they are suitable for the plants you have chosen.
What we’ve learned
In conclusion, adding plants to your leopard gecko tank can greatly enhance the overall health and well-being of your pet. Not only do they provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing environment, but they can also improve air quality, regulate humidity levels, and provide a source of nutrition.
When selecting plants for your leopard gecko tank, it’s important to consider factors such as non-toxicity, size and growth rate, light requirements, temperature and humidity tolerance, and maintenance requirements. Real plants offer numerous benefits but require more care, while fake plastic plants are low-maintenance but do not provide the same benefits as real plants.
When incorporating plants into your leopard gecko tank, make sure to choose appropriate containers and arrange them in a natural-looking way while ensuring they don’t obstruct important areas of the enclosure. Proper care and maintenance, such as regular watering and monitoring of temperature and humidity levels, are also essential to keep your plants healthy and thriving.
Overall, we recommend incorporating plants into your leopard gecko tank to create a more natural and healthy environment for your pet. We encourage readers to share their own experiences and tips for incorporating plants into their leopard gecko tanks, and to continue learning about ways to improve the lives of their reptile pets.