Plants are some things you can add to a leopard dragon’s enclosure to enrich its life. Even so, not all plants are safe for these reptiles. Some are poisonous, others have thorns, and others irritate the lizard’s skin upon touch. As such, most leopard gecko owners often wonder which plants, including air plants, are safe for leopard geckos.
Are air plants safe for leopard geckos?
Also known as tillandsia, air plants are safe for leopard geckos. They are not poisonous should the reptile accidentally bite them. In addition, they are not irritant, and neither do they have thorns. Besides, air plants hardly grow big, making them a perfect and safe choice for leopard geckos’ enclosure.
There are over 400 air plant species, and all are safe for animals. These plants do not grow very big and thus do not occupy too much space in the leopard gecko’s tank.
It is a vital consideration since leopard gecko’s tanks are relatively small because the lizard stays small even when mature compared to other reptiles such as snakes.
Another advantage of air plants is that, owing to their evolution, they do not need to grow on soil or any other substrate. As such, you can hang them in the tank using strings or attach them to other plants.
You may also attach them to the sides of the enclosure using magnetic mini planters or sturdy suction cups.
Other Plants Safe for Leopard Geckos
Besides air plants, there are other non-poisonous, non-irritant plants without thorns that are good for the leopard gecko’s enclosure. Adding variety to the enclosure makes it look vibrant and provides the lizard with various places to hide and climb.
Some of the best plants for leopard geckos’ enclosure include aloes, sedge grass, elephant bush, ponytail palms, zebra cactus, mistletoe cactus, Christmas cactus, living stones, echeveria, and cinnamon basil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Air Plants Toxic to Pets?
Although safe for humans and other animals, some pets, like cats, might be tempted to bite the plant. Such might lead to stomach upsets and indigestion in the animal. As such, it is best to keep air plants out of reach of furry pets to avoid the risk of them biting the plant.
You might do so by hanging the plant on the ceiling, keeping it in an enclosure with tiny openings for air, etc.
Do Leopard Geckos Eat Plants?
No, leopard geckos are insectivorous and, as such, do not eat plants. The lizard’s digestive system is not adapted to plants’ digestion and absorption. Should a leopard gecko accidentally bite a plant and swallow, it will likely experience stomach problems or severe illness.
Do Leopard Geckos Need Plants in the Enclosure?
No, leopard geckos do not need plants in the tank, whether living or fake. Even so, you can still add safe ones to make the enclosure vibrant and achieve a natural look in the tank.
Conclusion
Air plants are unique because they do not need to grow on soil like most other plants. In addition, they make a good choice for adding to the leopard gecko’s enclosure since they are safe for the reptile. Thus, air plants are some of the best plants for a leopard gecko’s habitat.