Plants for a Chinese Water Dragon

Chinese water dragons are a species of lizards capable of remaining submerged in water for up to 25 minutes. Native to Southeast Asia, this reptile is sought by many collectors for its brilliant green skin and impressive climbing abilities. As climbing material is required for this animal, many owners prefer to put real plants in the cage rather than fake silk leaves. This has many benefits, including moisture control and aesthetics. Many safe plant choices exist.

  1. Pothos

    • This popular house plant features large, spade-shaped emerald leaves. It is a very hardy and versatile plant capable of handling the low amount of light found in most houses. It is a very low-maintenance plant, requiring only water when the soil becomes dry, and the occasional pruning to remove dead leaves. Pothos' large leaves provide excellent hiding places, especially for young water dragons.

    Dracaena

    • Plants of the Dracaena family include all sorts of exotic trees. Dracaena fragrans "Massangeana," commonly called the Corn Plant, exhibits a brilliant yellow running down the center of each leaf. This tree may be grown as a shrub or as a tree. It prefers temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, the same range required by water dragons. You should dust the leaves frequently and keep an eye out for mealy bugs or scales, two pests that occasionally attack this tree.

    Hibiscus

    • A hibiscus plant can provide your terrarium with a bold punch of color. Several colors are available, from white to shades of purple, gold and red. Hibiscus rosa-sinensis often thrives well indoors if provided with warm temperatures and bright sunlight. Place it in an east- or south-facing window for best results. Hibiscus enjoys a moist environment, but make sure it's out of any standing water or pools you have prepared for your dragons. Keep in mind, however, that hibiscus is often a favorite for pests such as spider mites, which may damage other plants.

    Ficus Tree

    • Fake silk trees are often modeled after the ficus tree, a native plant to Southeast Asia. They prefer warm temperatures near 75 degrees Fahrenheit, and can handle most levels of light. Though fond of moisture, it doesn't like to have its roots soaked, and the soil in which it's planted should be well-drained. One down side of this plant, however, is that it cannot tolerate extreme swings, so make sure not to place it near an air conditioning vent or to move it quickly without letting it acclimate to its new surroundings.

    Chlorophytum

    • Chlorophytum, or spider plants, are one of the easiest house plants to grow. Very hardy, they die only after long periods of extreme neglect. Though they like cooler temperatures from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, they will tolerate the warmer climate necessary for your dragon. Water them only when the soil is dry, and keep them in a bright location. As spider plants propagate quickly, you will need to trim your plant periodically to remove unwanted trailers they will produce.