Crested geckos are delicate and highly sensitive reptiles that require carefully controlled environments. Many common houseplants and garden plants contain toxins that can harm or kill crested geckos.

Exposure to toxic plants can occur through ingestion, skin contact, or even inhalation of plant oils. Even small amounts of some plants can lead to severe illness or sudden death.

Responsible crested gecko ownership requires awareness of environmental hazards. Plants that appear safe may actually be lethal and should be carefully avoided.

In this guide, we list 20+ plants toxic to crested geckos, including both common indoor plants and garden species. Each plant includes descriptions, toxicity warnings, and pros and cons to help owners create a safe habitat.

20+ Plants Toxic To Crested Geckos

1. Aloe Vera – Aloe barbadensis miller – Highly Toxic Succulent

Aloe vera is extremely toxic to crested geckos despite being safe for humans. Its sap contains anthraquinones and saponins that cause digestive distress and organ failure.

Even minimal exposure can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Geckos’ small size and delicate metabolism make them particularly vulnerable.

Aloe vera is often used in homes and terrariums, increasing the risk of accidental contact. This plant should never be placed inside or near a crested gecko enclosure.

Pros:
• Easy to find
• Drought tolerant
• Low maintenance
• Decorative leaves
• Fast growing
• Long lifespan
• Indoor friendly

Cons:
• Highly toxic
• Skin irritation
• Fatal ingestion

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2. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) – Dieffenbachia seguine – Rapid-Acting Poison

Dieffenbachia contains calcium oxalate crystals that damage soft tissues. Even brief contact or ingestion can cause swelling, breathing difficulties, and severe pain.

Crested geckos are at risk due to their habit of exploring objects with their tongues. Ingestion may quickly lead to respiratory distress or paralysis.

The sap can irritate skin and eyes and is highly toxic. Dieffenbachia is a common indoor plant that must be avoided in reptile habitats.

Pros:
• Attractive foliage
• Shade tolerant
• Indoor hardy
• Fast growth
• Low light needs
• Widely available
• Long lasting

Cons:
• Severe toxicity
• Airway swelling
• Skin absorption

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3. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) – Epipremnum aureum – Common Indoor Killer

Pothos contains insoluble calcium oxalates that burn the mouth and digestive tract. Even small amounts can cause pain, refusal to eat, and dehydration.

Crested geckos exposed to pothos may stop eating, leading to rapid weight loss. Internal organ damage can develop gradually, often unnoticed until severe.

Trailing vines increase accidental exposure risks. Sap contact can irritate skin and eyes, making pothos unsafe for reptile enclosures.

Pros:
• Fast growing
• Easy care
• Decorative vines
• Low light
• Cheap plant
• Widely sold
• Hardy foliage

Cons:
• Mouth burns
• Internal damage
• Misleading safety

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4. Philodendron – Philodendron spp. – Oxalate-Rich Hazard

Philodendrons contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause immediate tissue damage. Ingestion or contact leads to oral pain, appetite loss, and stress.

Crested geckos exposed to philodendrons may develop organ damage over time. Indirect toxicity can occur if feeder insects have contacted the plant.

This plant is highly unsuitable for reptile habitats. All parts should be kept out of reach.

Pros:
• Decorative leaves
• Indoor adaptable
• Many varieties
• Fast growth
• Low care
• Shade tolerant
• Long lifespan

Cons:
• Oxalate toxicity
• Indirect poisoning
• Organ failure

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5. Snake Plant – Dracaena trifasciata – Saponin-Containing Threat

Snake plants contain saponins that disrupt cellular function. Ingesting small amounts can cause vomiting and neurological weakness.

Crested geckos exposed may become lethargic and disoriented. Symptoms often progress quickly due to their small size.

Sharp, rigid leaves also pose physical injury risks. Snake plants must never be near reptile habitats.

Pros:
• Very hardy
• Low watering
• Air tolerant
• Indoor durable
• Decorative shape
• Long lived
• Easy care

Cons:
• Saponin toxins
• Neurological risk
• Sharp leaves

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6. Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum spp. – Oxalate-Laden Indoor Killer

Peace lilies contain insoluble calcium oxalates that cause chemical burns and swelling. Ingesting leaves can result in labored breathing and digestive issues.

Even airborne pollen or sap can irritate delicate lungs. Crested geckos are highly sensitive to these compounds.

Peace lilies are popular as indoor décor but are unsafe for reptile enclosures. Keep them completely out of reach.

Pros:
• Elegant foliage
• Indoor adaptable
• Low maintenance
• Tolerates low light
• Long-lasting blooms
• Humidity tolerant
• Air purifying

Cons:
• Highly toxic
• Respiratory irritation
• Organ damage

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7. English Ivy – Hedera helix – Trailing Toxic Vine

English ivy contains saponins that harm the digestive and nervous systems. Ingestion can lead to diarrhea, internal bleeding, tremors, and paralysis.

Trailing vines make accidental exposure more likely. Sap contact with skin or eyes increases the risk of toxicity.

English ivy should never be accessible to crested geckos. Complete removal from reptile areas is recommended.

Pros:
• Fast-growing vine
• Decorative
• Indoor/outdoor adaptable
• Low maintenance
• Climbs walls
• Green year-round
• Easy propagation

Cons:
• Digestive toxins
• Neurological risk
• Skin irritation

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8. Jade Plant – Crassula ovata – Reptile Hazard Succulent

Jade plants contain compounds that interfere with muscle and nerve function. Ingestion may cause lethargy, weakness, and refusal to eat.

Repeated exposure can damage liver and kidneys. Juvenile geckos are particularly vulnerable.

Jade plants are popular succulents but are unsafe for crested geckos. Avoid placing them near enclosures.

Pros:
• Attractive succulent
• Low maintenance
• Indoor/outdoor adaptable
• Drought tolerant
• Slow-growing
• Long-lived
• Easy to propagate

Cons:
• Toxic to reptiles
• Lethargy risk
• Organ failure

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9. Oleander – Nerium oleander – Heart-Disrupting Poison

Oleander contains cardiac glycosides that interfere with heart function. Even small exposure can cause sudden death in crested geckos.

Symptoms include tremors, convulsions, and collapse. Toxicity acts rapidly, making early intervention difficult.

Oleander is often used in landscaping but must never be near reptiles. All parts are dangerous, even dried leaves.

Pros:
• Beautiful flowers
• Long blooming season
• Hardy shrub
• Drought tolerant
• Ornamental landscaping
• Heat tolerant
• Low maintenance

Cons:
• Cardiac toxin
• Sudden death
• Highly poisonous

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10. Sago Palm – Cycas revoluta – Extremely Toxic Cycad

Sago palms contain cycasin, a potent liver toxin. Even minimal exposure can cause vomiting, seizures, and rapid liver failure.

Symptoms progress quickly, often resulting in death. Both leaves and seeds are dangerous.

Sago palms are common in homes and gardens but are unsafe for reptiles. Complete removal from gecko areas is essential.

Pros:
• Ornamental foliage
• Hardy
• Slow-growing
• Low water needs
• Drought tolerant
• Long lifespan
• Attractive landscaping

Cons:
• Liver toxin
• Seizure risk
• Fatal ingestion

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11. Rubber Plant – Ficus elastica – Toxic Latex Sap

Rubber plants produce latex sap that irritates skin and mucous membranes. Ingestion inflames the digestive tract and causes vomiting.

Even dried leaves retain toxicity. Crested geckos exploring near this plant are at risk.

Rubber plants are unsuitable for reptile habitats. Removal from all accessible areas is recommended.

Pros:
• Attractive foliage
• Indoor adaptable
• Low light tolerant
• Easy maintenance
• Fast growth
• Air-purifying
• Long lifespan

Cons:
• Toxic latex
• Skin irritation
• Internal damage

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12. Ficus Benjamina – Ficus benjamina – Sap-Induced Hazard

Ficus benjamina produces milky latex that irritates skin and mucous membranes. Ingestion may cause lethargy, appetite loss, and organ stress.

Airborne sap can affect sensitive lungs. Both direct and indirect exposure are dangerous.

Ficus benjamina is common indoors but unsafe for geckos. Complete removal from reptile areas is advised.

Pros:
• Ornamental tree
• Indoor adaptable
• Tolerates low light
• Easy maintenance
• Long lifespan
• Air purifier
• Rapid growth

Cons:
• Latex toxicity
• Organ risk
• Respiratory irritation

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13. Chrysanthemum – Chrysanthemum spp. – Neurotoxic Flower

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrins, which interfere with nerve signaling. Ingestion may cause tremors, paralysis, and convulsions.

Even dried flowers retain toxins. Contact with sap can also cause irritation.

Chrysanthemums are popular but unsafe for crested geckos. Keep all parts out of reach.

Pros:
• Bright flowers
• Long-lasting blooms
• Pest-repellent
• Low maintenance
• Wide color variety
• Indoor/outdoor adaptable
• Attractive foliage

Cons:
• Neurotoxic
• Paralysis risk
• Oral irritation

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14. Croton – Codiaeum variegatum – Gastrointestinal Hazard

Croton contains diterpene esters that irritate the digestive system. Ingestion can cause diarrhea, internal bleeding, and systemic toxicity.

Bright leaves attract curious geckos. Symptoms progress quickly, making early detection critical.

Croton is unsafe for all reptile enclosures. Complete removal is required.

Pros:
• Decorative foliage
• Wide color range
• Indoor/outdoor adaptable
• Hardy plant
• Rapid growth
• Low maintenance
• Long lifespan

Cons:
• Digestive toxin
• Skin burns
• Fatal ingestion

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15. Azalea – Rhododendron spp. – Heart and Nerve Toxin

Azaleas contain grayanotoxins that interfere with heart and nerve function. Even small exposure can lead to seizures and cardiac arrhythmia.

Symptoms may appear minutes after ingestion but worsen rapidly. All plant parts are toxic.

Azaleas must be removed from reptile-accessible areas. They are unsafe both indoors and outdoors.

Pros:
• Colorful blooms
• Spring flowering
• Shrub growth habit
• Attractive landscaping
• Hardy in temperate zones
• Deer-resistant
• Low maintenance

Cons:
• Heart toxin
• Neurological risk
• Fatal ingestion

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16. Daffodil – Narcissus spp. – Bulbous Toxic Plant

Daffodils contain lycorine, concentrated in bulbs. Even small ingestion can cause convulsions, vomiting, and organ failure.

Leaves and flowers are also toxic. Water from cut flowers may contain compounds harmful to geckos.

Daffodils must be kept away from crested gecko enclosures. Spring bulbs are particularly dangerous.

Pros:
• Early spring blooms
• Attractive flowers
• Low maintenance
• Fragrant varieties
• Long-lasting bulbs
• Deer-resistant
• Easy propagation

Cons:
• Bulb toxin
• Convulsion risk
• Fatal ingestion

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17. Tulip – Tulipa spp. – Bulbous Poisonous Plant

Tulips contain tulipalin A and B, which are toxic to reptiles. Exposure can cause oral burns, paralysis, and respiratory distress.

Bulbs are especially hazardous. Symptoms develop quickly, making early intervention difficult.

Tulips must never be placed near crested geckos. All plant parts are unsafe.

Pros:
• Colorful blooms
• Early spring display
• Easy to grow
• Low maintenance
• Decorative garden
• Hardy bulbs
• Attractive landscaping

Cons:
• Bulb toxicity
• Oral burns
• Fatal ingestion

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18. Kalanchoe – Kalanchoe spp. – Cardiac Glycoside Hazard

Kalanchoe contains cardiac glycosides that disrupt heart function. Exposure may cause sudden collapse or fatal heart failure.

Symptoms can appear subtle before rapid deterioration. Both ingestion and sap contact are dangerous.

Kalanchoe must be kept away from crested gecko habitats. Awareness and prevention are essential.

Pros:
• Colorful blooms
• Drought tolerant
• Succulent foliage
• Indoor/outdoor adaptability
• Easy propagation
• Hardy plant
• Long-lived

Cons:
• Cardiac toxins
• Sudden collapse
• Fatal ingestion

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19. Eucalyptus – Eucalyptus spp. – Aromatic Oil Poison

Eucalyptus releases volatile oils toxic to reptiles. Inhalation or contact may cause respiratory distress and organ failure.

Even small exposure can be fatal. Leaves, cuttings, and oils should be kept out of reptile areas.

Eucalyptus is unsafe for all crested gecko habitats. Complete removal is recommended.

Pros:
• Aromatic foliage
• Fast-growing
• Shade tolerant
• Ornamental tree
• Drought tolerant
• Hardy plant
• Attractive landscaping

Cons:
• Respiratory toxin
• Organ failure
• Fatal ingestion

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20. Foxglove – Digitalis purpurea – Digitalis Cardiac Poison

Foxglove contains digitalis compounds that interfere with heart rhythm. Even minor exposure may result in collapse or sudden death.

All parts, including flowers and seeds, are highly toxic. Symptoms often appear delayed, making prevention critical.

Foxglove should be strictly avoided in homes and gardens with crested geckos. Awareness and removal are key.

Pros:
• Showy blooms
• Tall stalks
• Long flowering season
• Attractive garden display
• Easy propagation
• Deer-resistant
• Hardy biennial

Cons:
• Cardiac toxin
• Sudden death
• Fatal ingestion

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Plants Toxic To Crested Geckos (FAQs)

1. Can crested geckos die from touching toxic plants?

Yes, many plant toxins are absorbed through skin or inhalation, causing serious illness or death.

2. Are live plants safe in crested gecko enclosures?

Only verified reptile-safe plants should be used. Most common houseplants are toxic.

3. Can feeder insects transfer plant toxins?

Yes, insects exposed to toxic plants can pass toxins to geckos when eaten.

4. Are artificial plants safe?

Reptile-grade artificial plants are the safest option for decoration.

5. How fast do symptoms appear after exposure?

Some toxins act within minutes, others may take several hours to manifest.

6. Can essential oils harm crested geckos?

Yes, aromatic oils from plants like eucalyptus or peppermint are extremely toxic.

7. What should I do if my gecko is exposed?

Immediately remove your gecko from the plant and seek an exotic veterinarian.

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Conclusion

The Best plant to avoid for crested geckos is Aloe Vera due to its widespread presence and extremely toxic compounds. Even small exposure can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and organ failure.

The Runner-Up is Dieffenbachia, which contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause swelling and breathing difficulties. Both plants are commonly found indoors, making them particularly hazardous for pet geckos.

Many other plants on this list, including Pothos, Snake Plant, and Foxglove, are equally dangerous. Complete removal and careful monitoring are critical for preventing accidental poisonings.

By following this guide, you can create a safe habitat for your crested gecko. Awareness of plant toxicity and safe enclosure design are key to keeping your pet healthy and thriving.