Top 7 Safe Plants for Crested Geckos & Toxic Plants To Avoid

Crested Geckos are captivating, low-maintenance, and docile pets that easily thrive in vivariums. However, you must facilitate their climbing and jumping instincts with the help of natural plants! 

While creating a safe and dynamic habitat with a touch of the wild, natural plants let your crestie nibble on leaves without harm. Know all about plants that are safe or toxic for your scaly sidekick!

7 Safe Plants for Crested Geckos 

Snake Plant | Dracaena trifasciata

Snake plants have gained popularity among both home decor enthusiasts and Crested Gecko owners for a good reason. They share several qualities that make them an ideal choice for the gecko’s habitat.

Similar to your crestie, snake plants are striking, resilient, low-maintenance, and safe to nibble on.

Pros: 

• Great hiding spot for your Gecko
• Slow growth rate 
• Minimal care needs

Cons:

• Not the best option for climbing

Elephant Ear | Alocasia polly

In contrast to Snake plants, Elephant Ears demand more attention and care. However, these efforts offer numerous benefits to your gecko. These remarkable plants serve as perfect perches, climbing structures, and even landing spots. 

With their strikingly large red and purple leaves, Elephant Ears bring a vibrant and captivating ambiance to the vivarium, making them an unparalleled addition.

Pros: 

• Strong and sturdy plants
• Perfect for an active gecko

Cons: 

• High maintenance 

Concinna Prayer Plant | Calathea concinna

The most recommended variety of prayer plants for gecko parents has patterned leaves that only stay open during the day. This is another plant your crestie can pounce, climb, and rest upon.  

These fascinating plants are not particularly high maintenance. But they require consistently moist soil. In comparison, the leaves must be kept dry. 

Pros: 

• Ideal for climbing 
• Thrives in humidity

Cons: 

• Require specific growing conditions

Pothos | Epipremnum pinnatum

Pothos reigns supreme for Crested Gecko vivariums. It offers an excellent climbing structure while creating lush hiding spots, enhancing your gecko’s habitat. With its remarkable resilience, Pothos thrives effortlessly in humid conditions.

To maximize its benefits, position it at a lower level in the vivarium, allowing your gecko to utilize it for climbing and seeking shelter. 

Pros: 

• Perfect for climbing and hiding underneath
• Low-maintenance 
• Durable and tolerant of humidity 

Cons: 

• Can rot if watered too much 
• Needs occasional trimming 

Umbrella Tree | Schefflera arboricola

This beautiful and sturdy tree can withstand an active gecko who loves to climb. Along with that, it doesn’t need much-dedicated care except occasional pruning. Lucky for gecko parents, it thrives in humid environments and outlasts the most pretty contenders in the vivarium. 

Pros: 

• Thrives in a very humid environment
• Ideal for climbing 
• Sturdy and resilient 
• Aesthetic addition to a vivarium

Cons: 

• This plant has no cons 

Petra | Codiaeum variegatum

The Petra plant’s wide, vibrant, and durable leaves offer an ideal playground for an active and playful crestie. Its sturdy woody stem effortlessly supports the gecko’s weight, preventing any breakage.

Petra plant often takes center stage in vivariums, with other plants thoughtfully arranged around it, creating a captivating showcase.

Pros: 

• A sturdy plant that thrives in all environments 
• Attractive and functional 

Cons: 

• Losing leaves in cycles is normal

Bird’s Nest Fern | Asplenium nidus

Bird’s Nest Fern is known to spread rapidly to cover ground. It is not strong enough for a lizard to climb but its center can hold the weight of a crested gecko. This is why it is often positioned closer to the ground in vivariums. 

This plant is also easy to maintain and survives high humidity. 

Pros: 

• Thrives in humidity 
• Ideal for vivarium ground 
• Low-maintenance 
• Ideal for basking 

Cons: 

• Not suitable for climbing or jumping

Avoid these 3 toxic plants in your crested gecko’s vivarium

Azalea | Rhododendron

Azalea is a seemingly beautiful plant with many different flowering varieties. However, each part of this plant is toxic to reptiles. Ingestion of large quantities of this plant could dangerously impact your gecko’s health.

Toxin: Andromedotoxin present in nectar and veins of leaves

Symptoms:

• Lower activity than normal
• Reduced playfulness
• Vomiting 

Lily | Lilium

Lilies come in several varieties and vary across species but all of them are toxic to reptiles. Each part of the plant is toxic. Common ornamental plants like Oriental Lily, Peace Lily, Tiger Lily, Glory Lily, and Japanese Show Lily, are all extremely toxic for reptiles and other animals.

Toxin: Cardenolides

Symptoms: 

• Skin irritation
• Lower activity levels
• Vomiting

Mistletoe | Viscum album

Surprisingly, mistletoe, often used as a decorative element during the holiday season, poses a significant threat to your reptile’s well-being due to its toxic properties. Even minor ingestion of any part of this plant can pose a serious danger to your pet’s life.

Toxin: Phoratoxin

Symptoms: 

• Difficulty in breathing
• Slowness in movements
• Vomiting 

Note for the herpers

Careful consideration of the plants in your crested gecko’s enclosure is crucial for their well-being. Certain plants offer a secure and enriching habitat, while others can be potentially harmful or even fatal to these reptiles. 

By choosing from the top 7 safe plants for crested geckos, you can ensure a healthy and thriving environment for your pet. On the other hand, it is essential to avoid toxic plants that could pose serious risks to their health. Go on, build a wildland for your little one behind that glass!