Crested geckos are popular pets known for their docile nature and unique appearance. To create the ideal habitat for your crested gecko, selecting the right vivarium plants is crucial.

These plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the enclosure but also provide essential benefits, such as humidity control, hiding spots, and even food sources.

In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best vivarium plants for crested geckos, focusing on their benefits, ideal care, and tips for keeping your gecko’s home thriving.

Best Vivarium Plants For Crested Gecko

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is an excellent choice for crested geckos due to its fast growth and ease of care. It thrives in low light conditions and requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for beginners. The vines provide an excellent climbing structure for crested geckos and help to maintain humidity levels in the vivarium.

In terms of care, pothos should be planted in well-draining soil and watered moderately. It can be propagated easily, which is perfect for vivarium setups that require frequent plant replacements. Just be mindful of the potential toxicity of pothos if consumed, though it’s rarely an issue since crested geckos generally avoid it.

Pros:

• Easy care
• Climbing structure
• Humidity control

Cons:

• Toxic if eaten
• Needs pruning
• May outgrow space

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2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are great for vivariums because they can tolerate low light and variable humidity levels. They’re also non-toxic, which makes them perfect for crested geckos that might nibble on plants. Their long, arching leaves create a visually appealing, dense cover, providing hiding spots for your gecko.

Spider plants do best in well-draining soil and moderate water levels. They are low-maintenance, but they do require occasional trimming to prevent overgrowth. Their air-purifying qualities add another bonus to your vivarium’s environment.

Pros:

• Non-toxic
• Low light tolerance
• Easy maintenance

Cons:

• Can outgrow space
• Needs trimming
• Requires occasional watering

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3. Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)

The Ficus Benjamina offers a sturdy and elegant plant option for crested geckos. It features lush, glossy leaves that provide excellent cover and climbing opportunities. This plant thrives in high humidity and low to moderate light, perfect for a crested gecko’s habitat.

Ficus Benjamina should be placed in a large vivarium, as it can grow quite tall over time. The plant prefers slightly acidic soil and requires regular watering, but be cautious not to overwater, as it can lead to root rot. It’s also important to ensure that the plant is not toxic if ingested, though crested geckos typically avoid it.

Pros:

• Attractive foliage
• Excellent cover
• Climbing opportunities

Cons:

• Needs space
• Prone to root rot
• Sensitive to overwatering

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4. Bromeliad (Guzmania spp.)

Bromeliads are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that add vibrant color to your gecko’s vivarium. Their rosettes form natural water reservoirs, which help maintain humidity levels, and the flowers can add pops of color to the enclosure. The unique structure of the leaves offers additional hiding spots for crested geckos.

Bromeliads thrive in indirect light and should be watered at the base, ensuring the rosette remains filled with water. These plants don’t require soil, making them easy to integrate into vivariums with proper drainage. They do need occasional misting and may die off after blooming, but new pups can be propagated.

Pros:

• Low maintenance
• Humidity control
• Colorful flowers

Cons:

• Dies after blooming
• Needs misting
• Pups require care

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5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are another great non-toxic plant for crested geckos that are known for their air-purifying qualities. The large, dark green leaves provide excellent coverage and hiding spaces for your gecko. Their white flowers also add an aesthetic element to the vivarium.

This plant thrives in moderate to low light and humid environments. Peace lilies need to be watered regularly, but be careful not to let them sit in water for extended periods to prevent root rot. They require well-draining soil and occasional fertilization to keep them healthy.

Pros:

• Non-toxic
• Air purifier
• Attractive foliage

Cons:

• Needs regular watering
• Sensitive to root rot
• Slow-growing

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6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a fast-growing vine that is perfect for creating a lush, green environment in your gecko’s vivarium. The trailing vines offer natural climbing opportunities for crested geckos, and the dense foliage can provide excellent coverage. It grows well in humid environments and adds a tropical feel to the vivarium.

English ivy should be watered moderately and prefers well-draining soil. It does best with some indirect light, though it can also adapt to low-light conditions. However, it requires regular trimming to avoid becoming too invasive and overgrowing the space.

Pros:

• Fast-growing
• Climbing structure
• Dense foliage

Cons:

• Needs pruning
• Can become invasive
• May not tolerate direct light

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7. Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Ferns are a great addition to crested gecko vivariums because they thrive in high humidity and provide ample cover for your gecko. Their delicate fronds create a lush, tropical look and allow your gecko to hide and explore. Ferns are easy to care for and require minimal maintenance once established.

Ferns prefer indirect light and should be kept in moist, well-draining soil. They need to be watered regularly, but it’s important to avoid overwatering, as ferns are sensitive to standing water. Make sure to provide enough space for them to grow without overcrowding the vivarium.

Pros:

• High humidity tolerance
• Low maintenance
• Dense cover

Cons:

• Requires consistent moisture
• Needs space
• Sensitive to overwatering

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8. African Violet (Saintpaulia)

African violets bring a touch of color to any vivarium, with their vibrant flowers available in several shades. These plants are non-toxic and can thrive in moderate to low light conditions. The dense, velvety leaves offer excellent hiding spots for crested geckos.

African violets require slightly acidic soil and should be watered carefully to prevent the leaves from getting wet, which can cause rot. They prefer a relatively stable environment in terms of temperature and humidity, making them ideal for crested geckos. With proper care, they can bloom for months at a time.

Pros:

• Vibrant flowers
• Non-toxic
• Low light tolerance

Cons:

• Requires stable environment
• Needs careful watering
• Sensitive to overwatering

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9. Calathea (Calathea spp.)

Calathea plants are known for their striking foliage and patterns, making them a stunning addition to any vivarium. They thrive in high humidity and low light, perfect for crested geckos. The broad, colorful leaves create a dynamic visual appeal and serve as cover for your gecko.

Calathea plants require consistently moist soil and should not be allowed to dry out. They thrive best in warm environments and need indirect light. Their care can be slightly more intensive compared to other plants, but the results are worth it for a lush, vibrant enclosure.

Pros:

• Attractive foliage
• Humidity tolerant
• Low light growth

Cons:

• Needs consistent moisture
• Requires warmth
• Needs indirect light

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10. Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus)

Java ferns are a hardy plant option that requires little maintenance and is ideal for vivariums with high humidity. Their unique fronds provide excellent cover for crested geckos to hide and explore. Java ferns can be attached to rocks or driftwood, making them versatile for different vivarium setups.

Java ferns grow well in low to moderate light and should be planted in nutrient-rich soil. They require occasional trimming to maintain a tidy appearance. While not a fast-grower, they are long-lasting and can provide a stable addition to your vivarium for years.

Pros:

• Hardy
• Low maintenance
• Versatile placement

Cons:

• Slow-growing
• Needs trimming
• Requires nutrient-rich soil

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Best Vivarium Plants For Crested Gecko FAQs

1. How often should I water vivarium plants for crested geckos?
   • Water your vivarium plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Most plants benefit from being watered once a week or as needed based on humidity levels.
2. Can crested geckos eat the plants in their vivarium?
   • Some plants are non-toxic, but others can be harmful if consumed. It’s best to avoid plants that are toxic to ensure your gecko’s safety.
3. Do crested geckos need live plants in their vivarium?
   • While not strictly necessary, live plants provide numerous benefits, such as maintaining humidity, offering climbing structures, and creating a natural environment for the gecko.
4. Can I grow plants in my gecko’s vivarium without a UVB light?
   • Many vivarium plants can thrive in low light conditions, which is perfect for setups without UVB light. However, some plants may require indirect sunlight or low-wattage lighting.
5. What type of soil is best for vivarium plants?
   • Use well-draining soil that retains some moisture but doesn’t become soggy. A mix designed for tropical plants is usually ideal for these types of environments.
6. Do I need to prune vivarium plants?
   • Yes, regular pruning is important to prevent plants from becoming invasive or overgrowing the space. This ensures your gecko has plenty of room to climb and hide.
7. How can I maintain humidity in the vivarium with plants?
   • Plants like pothos, ferns, and bromeliads can help maintain humidity by absorbing moisture and releasing it into the air. Regular misting and a humidity gauge can help keep levels optimal.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, selecting the right vivarium plants for your crested gecko is essential for creating a natural and thriving environment. Plants like pothos, bromeliads, and spider plants provide not only beauty but also functional benefits for humidity, climbing, and hiding.

Be sure to choose non-toxic plants that are easy to maintain and match the specific needs of your gecko. Experiment with different varieties to find the best combination for your pet’s habitat.

Take action today by enriching your gecko’s vivarium with these plants to ensure a healthier, happier life for your crested gecko.

Call to Action: Start building the perfect habitat for your crested gecko by incorporating these top vivarium plants. Whether you’re setting up a new vivarium or upgrading an existing one, these plants will enhance your gecko’s home and provide numerous benefits. Happy gardening and gecko-keeping