Terrariums for Reptiles: Best Plants and Tips for Success
Terrariums are enclosed glass or plastic containers that recreate miniature ecosystems and provide habitats for reptiles and amphibians. With careful planning and proper plant selection, terrariums allow reptile owners to closely observe natural behaviors in captivity. This comprehensive guide covers how to design optimal terrariums for common pet reptiles, choose safe and hardy plants, and care for both animals and plants long-term.
Benefits of Terrariums for Reptiles
Keeping reptiles in terrariums provides many advantages over basic glass tanks or plastic tubs. A well-planted terrarium allows reptiles to thrive in a complex, stimulating environment.
Naturalistic Habitats
Terrariums with live plants let keepers create beautiful displays that mimic native habitats. Desert species like bearded dragons relish hot, dry terrarium landscapes. Aquatic frogs flourish in wet bog gardens. Arboreal chameleons climb and perch happily in leafy, branching trees. An artfully designed terrarium brings a piece of the outdoors inside.
Enhanced Wellbeing
Studies show that an enriched and complex environment promotes better reptile health and wellbeing. The sensory stimulation and opportunities for natural behaviors in a terrarium can lead to lower stress levels. Plants aid health by naturally filtering air, maintaining cleaner humidity, and providing climbing structures.
Interactive Enjoyment
Observing reptiles hunting, basking, and exploring in a mini ecosystem is fascinating for enthusiasts. A thriving terrarium creates an engaging display. Vibrant live plants beat bare tanks as visual focal points. Watching your pets interact with their habitat makes terrarium keeping rewarding.
Climate Control
Proper heating, lighting, and humidity levels are easier to control in an enclosed space. Glass or plastic walls efficiently maintain warmer, more tropical microclimates for species needing higher heat and moisture. Terrariums also readily allow the creation of complex thermal gradients from hot basking sites to cooler hiding places.
Safe Boundaries
A secure fitted lid and closed sides prevent escape-prone reptiles like geckos from bolting. Planted walls and furnishings give shy species places to retreat. Territorial lizards are less stressed without open sight lines to housemates. Terrariums keep inhabitants safely contained and reduce handling stress versus basic open tanks.
Key Considerations When Choosing Plants
Plants act as beautiful living set decorations in reptile terrariums, but plant selection requires careful thought. Several key factors must be weighed to provide safe, low-maintenance greenery that will thrive.
Natural Habitats
Select plants native to your reptile’s homeland for the most naturalistic environment. For example, bromeliads match a tropical rainforest gecko terrarium, while sturdy succulents suit arid-dwelling desert lizards. Match plants to re-create native conditions.
Climate Needs
Ensure the temperature, humidity, and lighting the reptile requires also suit the terrarium plants. Tropical plants demand consistent warmth and moisture. Desert species need high heat and low humidity. Providing plants optimal growing conditions results in healthy growth.
Reptile Safety
Only use non-toxic plants suitable for your pet. Several popular houseplants like pothos, dracaena, and palms are mildly toxic if eaten and should be avoided. Research plant safety thoroughly and choose hardy, reptile-safe varieties that won’t be grazed upon.
Growth Requirements
Factor in plant size, growth speed, and prunability. Slow-growing plants won’t quickly outgrow the space, while fast growers like philodendrons may need regular trimming. Choose smaller plants for compact terrariums. Pick hardy, resilient plants that tolerate pruning.
Pet Interactions
Consider how the reptile will interact with plants. Sturdy broadleaf plants withstand climbing. Delicate ferns or flowers may get crushed. Avoid sharp-edged plants if housing delicate species. Monitor plants and remove any showing signs of damage from grazing reptiles.
Best Plants for Reptile Terrariums
Many hardy, non-toxic houseplants and terrarium-suitable species thrive in the warm, humid conditions most reptiles need. These ten categories provide safe choices suited for different types of reptiles:
Philodendrons
Tough-leafed philodendrons grow quickly to provide lush, tropical ambience. The vining heartleaf philodendron and lacy-leaved split leaf philodendrons offer easy care and graceful dangling stems perfect for arboreal lizards. Prune back as needed.
Pothos
No terrarium plant is easier than pothos. Its variegated leaves trail attractively from baskets to drape along walls and furnishings. Neon, golden, and marble queen pothos stay safely out of nibbling reach. Unfussy pothos tolerates all lighting conditions.
Dracaenas
Spiked, straplike leaves make dracaena an architectural plant. It filters air efficiently in enclosed spaces. Dracaena sanderiana and draceana reflexa varieties are resilient and only mildly toxic if ingested. Use sturdy dracaenas as striking upright elements.
Bromeliads
Colorful bromeliads bring flashy neon, patterned leaves in a range of shapes to rainforest-themed terrariums. They need high humidity and do well planted on driftwood or mounted on walls where arboreal lizards can’t damage their soft leaves.
Air Plants
Air plants, or tillandsias, make ideal complements to bromeliads for tropical terrariums. Their strictly aerial roots grab onto rocks, wood, and walls without soil. Air plants only require periodic misting and thrive in humid, well-ventilated vivaria.
Orchids
Delicate moth orchids and lady slipper orchids introduce exotic details like intricate blooms. They prefer slightly cooler temperatures. Mount them high on terrarium walls out of reach of reptiles. Ensure the species chosen suit the habitat.
Ferns
Lacy ferns like button fern or rabbit’s foot fern provide pleasing textures and natural appeal. Most thrive in moist, well-drained conditions making them excellent choices for tropical frog paludariums or newt tanks. Keep them away from trampling feet by mounting up high.
Succulents
Succulents store water in fleshy leaves to cope with desert dryness. Hens-and-chicks, aloes, jade plants, and agaves suit arid habitats for bearded dragons and leopard geckos. Use fast-draining mineral soil mixes and position lighting to provide bright, hot conditions.
Moss
Cushiony green mosses make attractive carpeting for wet terrariums and paludariums. They naturally absorb and retain moisture. Java moss, Christmas moss, and mood moss adapted for high humidity excel in rainforest frog and newt enclosures.
Bonsai Trees
Miniature bonsai trees crafted from hardy species like jade, oak, and schefflera give height for arboreal lizards. Choose plants with extensively woody stems that can tolerate climbing and perching without damage. Slow growing bonsai trees won’t rapidly outgrow a terrarium.
Constructing Optimal Terrariums
Building a successful planted terrarium requires careful construction. Follow these guidelines to create an enduring habitat.
Select a Glass or Plastic Enclosure
The most essential part of a terrarium is the transparent container that houses it. Glass or plastic enclosures retain heat and humidity far better than wire screen. Look for a tank or vivarium specifically designed for reptiles with front-opening doors and secure ventilation.
Include Appropriate Substrate
substrate creates a natural foundation and growing medium for plants. It also must suit the species’ needs. Dry desert terrariums need coarse sand or gravel. Rainforest habitats require potting soil mixes that retain moisture. Aquatic paludariums need layers of plant-safe aquarium gravel.
Install Helper Rocks and Wood
Adding rocks, branches, and cork bark improves terrarium aesthetics and functionality. Rocks stabilize plants and create climbing areas. Reptiles bask on partially submerged wood. Cork tubes become hiding places. Ensure all materials are sterilized and reptile-safe.
Layer in Slopes and Level Changes
Building up substrate, hardscape materials, and plant groupings into naturalistic slopes adds interest and usable space. terracing the landscape also allows reptiles to thermoregulate by moving between warmer upper slopes and cooler lower areas.
Arrange Plants Attractively
Lay out plants thoughtfully for best results. Use taller specimen plants near the back and lower creepers up front. Angle air plants or orchids on walls or wood to face forward into view. Cluster plants with similar needs to simplify care.
Add Finishing Design Touches
Details complete the terrarium. Small accents like leaf litter, seed pods, and stones enrich the look. Miniature water features or fountains increase humidity. UV-blocking backgrounds recreate canopy cover and prevent escape attempts.
Establish Suitable Temperature Gradients
Proper heating is critical. Place basking bulbs, under tank heating pads, ceramic heat emitters and UV lighting based on the species’ needs. monitor temperatures using multiple gauges from cool to hot areas. Make adjustments to achieve ideal heat gradients.
Maintain Appropriate Humidity
Depending on the species, monitor humidity levels daily and mist or ventilate as needed. Lower humidity for desert species by increasing ventilation. Use glass lids, reduce air flow, and mist often to keep tropical species humid. Always provide a humidity hide spot.
Caring for Plants and Reptiles in the Terrarium
Once established, terrariums require attentive care and maintenance to keep plants and pets healthy long-term. Follow these top caretaking tips:
Provide Proper Lighting
Give plants sufficient light for photosynthesis. windowsills normally supply adequate natural sunlight, supplemented with UV and grow lights on darker days. Ten to 12 hours daily of bright light works for most terrarium plants.
Control Watering and Drainage
Watering needs vary based on inhabitants. Desert species need infrequent watering. Tropical animals and plants demand constant moisture. Ensure drainage is adequate to prevent roots sitting in water. Allow the topsoil to dry between watering to avoid oversaturation.
Perform Regular Misting and Air Circulation
In addition to watering soil, mist plants and furnishings to increase air humidity and precipitation. Allow time for moisture to evaporate between misting to stop surfaces staying constantly wet. Place small fans to gently circulate air.
Watch for Signs of Distress
Monitor plants and remove any damaged from grazing or rubbing. Prune back overgrown plants shading others. Look for insect infestations like scale and treat promptly. Repot rootbound plants. Maintaining plant health prevents problems spreading.
Clean Glass and Remove Waste
Spot clean waste and fallen leaves promptly. Use dechlorinated water and gentle cleaners to wipe terrarium glass when needed to keep visibility clear. Replace substrates annually as they lose nutritional quality over time. Remove and replace unhealthy plants.
Quarantine All New Plants
Isolate and observe any new plants for 2-4 weeks before terrarium introduction. This prevents introducing pests and diseases into established habitats. Treat arrivals with neem oil or insecticidal soap as a preventative measure.
Limit Handling and Disturbance
Avoid over-handling shy species and allow them to acclimate. Limiting activity also reduces stress to newly added reptiles. Resist rearranging stable habitats until plants become overgrown. Change only one variable at a time during troubleshooting.
Common Reptiles Well-Suited to Terrarium Habitats
Many popular pet reptiles thrive in well-planted terrariums and vivariums. Some top examples include:
Crested Geckos
Native to New Caledonia, leaf-tailed crested geckos relish complex rainforest plantings, vertical space to climb, and moderate humidity around 50-60%. They appreciate planted visual barriers between territories and connection points like vines or branches along the upper reaches.
Green Tree Pythons
Arboreal green tree pythons inhabit tropical forests across Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They spend nearly their entire lives up in trees and require tall, planted terrariums with extensive climbing opportunities provided by branches and aerial plants.
Dart Frogs
Active colorful dart frogs inhabit damp forest floors in Central and South America. They do best in wet paludariums designed to mimic steamy jungle environments. Hardy bromeliads, philodendrons, and moss suit dart frogs. Their sensitive skin demands consistently clean, dechlorinated water.
Leopard Geckos
Desert-dwelling leopard geckos come from arid grasslands and rocky areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and Iran. For these terrestrial lizards provide dry, hot conditions and substrate that holds burrows. Succulents like aloe vera and desert plants are natural choices.
Chameleons
Arboreal chameleons live in tropical forests and jungles in Africa and Madagascar. Tall planted habitats allow them to regulate heat by moving vertically between cooler lower and warmer upper sections. Sturdy potted plants give perches for feeding and surveillance.
Red-Eyed Tree Frogs
Red-eyed tree frogs inhabit humid lowland rainforests in Central America. They spend most of their time up on broad-leafed plants. Tropical terrariums offer necessary high humidity and water features. Trimming fast-growing houseplants prevents overcrowding.
Bearded Dragons
Native to Australia, bearded dragons thrive in hot and dry terrariums modeled after their arid scrubland homeland. Pack a deep substrate for burrowing and create baking zones above 90 F. Hardy succulents and cacti replicate native vegetation.
Conclusion
For reptile lovers, few things beat the experience of closely observing pets explore and interact within intricately planted terrariums. By selecting appropriate plants and materials, constructing to meet species needs, and providing attentive care, terrariums offer stimulating lifelong habitats. Pairing the right plants and reptiles creates a beautiful, naturalistic display. With research and proper husbandry, terrariums let any herpetoculturist recreate a vibrant flourishing microcosm.