How to Make Fake Plants for a Reptile

If you are bored with the stock terrarium plants found in pet stores and want to be more inventive with your reptile's cage, make your own fake plants. With a few basic materials and tools your reptile will soon be enjoying its own unique environment. This basic process is open to creative interpretation allowing you to develop one-of-a-kind plant creations.

Things You'll Need

  • Fake plant parts
  • Branch
  • Flat rock
  • Antibacterial dish soap
  • Scrub brush
  • Saw
  • Drill
  • Sandpaper
  • Hot glue sticks
  • Hot glue gun
  • Construction adhesive
  • Caulk gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a selection of fake plant components that you would like to use, such as fake stems, vines, flowers and garlands. Fake plant parts can be purchased from craft stores, home décor suppliers and floral suppliers.

    • 2

      Collect a branch that is about the length and width you want for your plant. Terrarium reptiles prefer natural wood, rather than something synthetic, in their homes. Find a branch that is healthy and shows no signs of rot.

    • 3

      Collect a flat rock, such as flagstone or slate, to serve as the base. The rock should be at least 4 inches larger in diameter than the branch. Using a rock as the base will ensure the plant is properly weighted and the reptile will not knock it over.

    • 4

      Wash the rock thoroughly with antibacterial dish soap and hot water and set it aside to dry.

    • 5

      Remove any dirt from the branch with a scrub brush. Place the branch in boiling water for three or four minutes then bake it in a 350 degree F oven for 20 to 30 minutes to eliminate any bacteria or parasites.

    • 6

      Cut off the bottom of the branch with a saw so it is flat.

    • 7

      Drill a scattering of holes around the top half of the branch where you would like to affix the fake plant components. Drill the holes at a slightly downward angle.

    • 8

      Sand down any roughness from around the cut end at the bottom or from around the drilled holes using sandpaper.

    • 9

      Attach the fake plant components by putting a dab of hot glue from a hot glue gun on the ends and sticking them into the drilled holes.

    • 10

      Adhere the cut off end of the branch to the rock with construction adhesive. Construction adhesive comes in a caulk tube and is extruded with a caulk gun.

    • 11

      Leave the adhesive to cure for 48 hours before putting the creation in your reptile's terrarium.