Live Plants for a Terrarium With Tarantulas

Most species of tarantulas enjoy climbing and burrowing. Consider adding live plants to the terrarium to facilitate these instinctual activities. The added greenery adds visual interest for spectators while replicating the lush growth found in the pet's natural rain-forest-style habitat. With the low light and humid conditions found in a tarantula's terrarium, choose plants that thrive in moist, dim environments.

  1. Swedish Ivy

    • Swedish Ivy, or Creeping Charlie, is a durable live plant option for your tarantula's home. The foliage's scientific name is Plectranthus Australis. Bury the roots of the plant in the terrarium's substrate layer of potting soil. Be sure to have a 1-inch layer of gravel under the soil for drainage. When misting the tank for humidity, remember to water the peat moss near the ivy's roots. If condensation forms on the interior glass walls of the enclosure, you are watering the plant too much. Swedish ivy thrives in low light.

    Boxwood

    • For beginning tarantula keepers, boxwood is a good live plant option. The hearty plant can easily survive temperature and moisture variations. Also known as the Boxus plant, boxwood left alone can grow into a large shrub. This plant will need to be kept trimmed back to a manageable size in the tarantula's terrarium.

    Pilea

    • For a full, bushy live plant option, choose pilea. This plant grows tall, rather than in vines along the base of the terrarium. Pilea is also known as an Aluminum Plant. Pinch the uppermost leaves off the pilea plant to encourage a full, round plant, perfect for climbing tarantulas.

    Lipstick Plant

    • Also known as Aeschynanthus, the Lipstick Plant is another vine option for the tarantula's terrarium. The tiny shiny leaves of this plant add an attractive pattern to the enclosure. The Lipstick Plant may flower in a terrarium setting. When grown in full sun, the plant produces blooms. Depending on the lighting in the terrarium, the plant may bloom on occasion. The long trailing vines can be wrapped around climbing branches or be trimmed back to a short length if desired.

    Nerve Plant

    • This broad-leafed plant thrives best in a humid terrarium setting. Also known as Fittonia, the Nerve Plant is available in varying colors and leaf sizes. If the leaves begin to wilt, add water and they will perk up quickly, as this plant likes to wilt.