Plants Suitable for Reptiles

Many terrariums can be among the most creative enclosures in the pet trade; the wide range of reptiles, each with different habitat requirements and preferences, often leads owners to be very creative with their tanks. Though there are dozens of different plastic jungle plants available to decorate terrariums, some people prefer to use live plants. Several plants are readily available that are suitable for different reptile habitats, many of which you can find at either your local pet store or garden supply shop.

  1. Desert Plants

    • Several plants are suitable for a desert environment with temperatures typically above 90 degrees F. Animals that are typically found in desert-themed enclosures include bearded dragons, uromastyx and leopard geckos. Compatible plants include snake plants, dwarf aloe, climbing aloe, lace aloe, bromeliads, caudexed figs, elephant trees, geraniums, haworthias, ponytail palms and air plants like Spanish moss.

    Tropical Plants

    • Tropical plants are appropriate for jungle-themed enclosures, tolerable of higher humidity (typically in the 80 to 90 percent range) and temperatures around 80 to 85 degrees F. Tropical reptiles include anoles, chameleons, iguanas and water dragons. These types of plants include bromeliads, Chinese evergreen, creeping fig, corn plants, earth stars, gesneriads, orchids, peacock plants, peperomia, ponytail palms, pothos, rosary vines, Virginia creepers, Virginia spiderworts and weeping figs.

    Aquatic Plants

    • Aquatic plants are suitable for reptiles with mostly aquatic environments, as many can flourish underwater. Aquatic reptiles might include alligators, turtles and certain snakes like anacondas (yellow anacondas can be found in certain pet stores). Aquatic plants include arrowhead, eel grass, crystalwort, hair grass, java fern and moss, water lettuce, water hyacinth and anacharis.