Top 5 Plants for Your Crested Gecko’s Bioactive Enclosure
Bioactive enclosures have become one of the most popular revelations in reptile husbandry, offering a more natural habitat for our scaly companions. Curating a bioactive enclosure is not just about the aesthetic appeal, but also about creating a nearly self-sustaining environment that also promotes the overall well-being of your animal. One crucial element of these enclosures is the selection of plants that can withstand the daily activities of your gecko while contributing to your tiny ecosystem. Here are the top five best plants to consider adding to your bioactive crested gecko enclosure!
1. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena fragrans "compacta"):
Perhaps the very best plant to use in a crested gecko enclosure, the Dracaena Compacta is an excellent choice to add to bioactive crested gecko enclosures! This plant has many dense, shiny green leaves, which gives crested geckos many different places to climb and hide. Dracaena thrive in low to medium light conditions, making it perfect for the often-shaded areas in the enclosure. The dracaena “Janet Craig” compacta is sure to be one of your crested geckos favorite plants!
2. Bromeliads (Bromeliaceae):
Bromeliads are a diverse family of plants known for their vibrant colors, unique shapes, and stunning bloom. These plants are an ideal addition to crested gecko enclosures due to their ability to hold water at their base, creating small pockets of humidity that offers a humid microclimate for your gecko. Additionally, the geckos can drink water from the bromeliads’ cups, ensuring they stay hydrated. Make sure to flush out the cups with fresh water several times per week to ensure fecal matter and dead insects do not build up and soil the water. Bromeliads are also quite sturdy, and can handle repeated climbing from crested geckos.
3. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):
Pothos is a classic choice for bioactive setups due to its resilience and rapid growth! There are many different varieties of pothos plants, so you can add many different colors to your enclosure. This trailing vine can cover vertical spaces, creating a lush environment while providing ample hiding and climbing spots for crested geckos. Additionally, Pothos are easy to propagate and make new plants. It's a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions.
4. Snake Plants (Sansevieria spp.):
Snake plants are renowned for their durability and adaptability. Although they can take a wide range of lighting conditions, they are most known for being able to thrive in low light. Snake plant’s stiff, rigid leaf texture provides a sturdy surface for climbing, basking, and hiding.
5. Aglaonema (Aglaonema spp.):
Aglaonema, or Chinese Evergreen, is a versatile plant family known for its attractive, often brightly colored, variegated leaves that appear to almost be painted with a brush. It's an excellent choice for crested gecko enclosures due to its adaptability to low light conditions and moderate humidity levels. Aglaonemas' bushy growth creates lots of coverage for ample hiding spots for your gecko, while its visually pleasing foliage adds an aesthetic touch to the enclosure.
Designing a bioactive crested gecko enclosure is a rewarding experience that allows you to simulate their natural habitat and promotes your pet's well-being. The plants you choose play a vital role in creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both your gecko and the overall bioactive environment. By combining these plants, you can craft a beautiful and functional environment that is sure to be loved by your crested gecko!
To learn more about creating bioactive enclosures, and keeping crested geckos, head over to our Zen Care Sheets and Articles Section!
If you are interested in learning all about crested geckos, head over to check out our Crested Gecko Ultimate Zen guide! Over 120 pages of information on crested geckos and their husbandry!
