Dangerous Plants for Reptile Enclosures (And Why You Should Avoid Them)
Live plants can be one of the best ways to offer natural enrichment to our exotic pets. But not all plants are safe to use, and some can actually harm or even kill your reptile if you’re not careful! Whether you’re setting up your very first bioactive terrarium or you’re an enclosure designing pro, it’s critical to know what plants to not include!
Here are three common plants that should never go in a reptile enclosure — and the reasons why.
1.
Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli)
Why it’s unsafe:
This plant may look cool and low-maintenance, but it’s a huge hazard for both you and your pet. Pencil cactus contains a white, milky sap–poisonous latex– that is highly toxic and extremely irritating. The branches of the Pencil Cactus are extremely brittle and designed to break and spray sap in self-defense. If your reptile gets any of this sap on its skin, in its eyes, or in its mouth, it could cause severe burns, swelling, blindness, or worse!
A few common names for this plant are Pencil Cactus, Firesticks, and Milkbush.
The best way to identify this plant is by avoiding any Euphorbia species.
⚠️ In history, these plants have been planted on the edge of estates in desert climates to blind intruders that attempted to gain access to property.
Safe to say this plant should stay FAR away from your reptile’s enclosure!
✅ The Rhipsalis plant species is a similar looking, safe alternative for Euphorbia!
2.
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane)
Why it’s unsafe:
Dieffenbachia is a common houseplant, but it contains high levels of poisonous raphides, a type of calcium oxalate crystal, which can cause extreme irritation, swelling of the mouth and throat, and digestive issues if ingested.
For reptiles — especially ones more likely to nibble on plants like iguanas, tortoises, or even bearded dragons — a bite can lead to serious medical problems.
⚠️ The common name “Dumb Cane” comes from the plant’s ability to cause speechlessness when the sap causes a person’s tongue and throat to severely swell. In the Amazon, Indigenous people used Dieffenbachia plants to create poison arrows!
✅ Aglaonema are a beautiful, similar looking plant species, and a safe alternative for Dieffenbachia
3.
Cacti with Spines
Why it’s unsafe:
While cacti might seem like a good fit for desert species, spiny varieties can cause injuries to your reptile’s eyes, mouth, and skin. Reptiles don’t always understand what will hurt them — especially when climbing or exploring. The risk of physical injury just isn’t worth it.
✅ If you want to use a cactus, opt for spineless varieties like the Spineless Prickly Pear (Opuntia subulata ‘Spineless’).
Final Thoughts:
When designing your reptile’s home, it’s tempting to choose whatever plants catch your eye — but their safety has to come first. Always research any plant species before placing it in your animal’s environment. Even if a plant is safe for humans or cats, it might not be for reptiles.
Shopping locally at big box stores? Check out our article to find out if Hardware Store Plants are Safe for Reptiles!
