Crested gecko owners may be wondering if orchids are a safe plant option for their pets. This guide provides information on the safety of orchids for crested geckos, helping them make informed choices for their pet’s habitat. Orchids vary in light/temperature/water requirements, and many need a 10-degree temperature drop at night for them to bloom. Some species or subspecies of orchid are poisonous, and not all plants are safe for crested geckos.
The best plants for a crested gecko include hardy, safe, sturdy, and able to withstand high humidity. Glass aquaria are popular due to their availability, affordability, and multiple-angle viewing. Orchids are fine for humidity and temperature, but they may not be sturdy enough for crested geckos. Some species or subspecies of orchid are poisonous, and they may not be suitable for tanks with live animals.
Orchids are reptile safe, but they don’t like their leaves getting wet or being climbed on. Some plants have been claimed to be harmful in tanks with live animals, while others have been used with little to no problems. It appears that neither the crested nor the gargoyle can take the humidity that orchids would need, while P. auriculatus can tolerate it.
In conclusion, choosing the right plant species for your crested gecko enclosure is crucial for their health and well-being.
📹 Top 5 Terrarium Plants That Will Change The Way You Keep Reptiles | Featuring @MikeTytula
Finding safe and aesthetically pleasing plants for your reptile terrarium or amphibian terrarium can be fun and exciting but might …
Is it OK to touch orchids?
Unsanitary handling of orchids can lead to the development of viruses, especially in unopened buds, which are the most sensitive parts of the plant. To prevent this, it is essential to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before handling the plant, and consider wearing disposable gloves for extra precaution. Additionally, sanitizing your tools before trimming spikes is crucial for stimulating reblooming, but not doing so can result in the development of a virus that could potentially kill your orchid. Always discard gloves after use if they come into contact with a sick plant.
Are mini orchids good in terrariums?
To grow mini Phalaenopsis orchids, choose plants that can coexist with them, such as small ivy, fibrous-rooted begonia, and small ferns. Place the terrarium in a well-lit, moderately heated area, as direct sunlight can cause the orchids to overheat. Add two inches of stones to the bottom of the terrarium, which should be thoroughly cleaned to prevent harmful transfer. Place one inch of water in the rocks to create a humid environment for the orchids to live within.
Avoid placing the roots in standing water as they will rot. Some people use soil at the bottom of the terrarium, but this can introduce disease. Ensure that the terrarium is well-lit and maintained at mid-level light levels and moderate temperatures.
Are any orchids poisonous?
Orchids are often misunderstood as toxic to humans, but they are not part of the dangerous group of plants. They can be handled and even accidental ingestion typically leads to no more than a stomachache. Orchids are not a threat to children and babies, as they are non-toxic due to their elegant petals and no hidden chemical defense. Even if a toddler tastes an orchid, the outcome is likely to be benign. However, it is important to keep an eye on young ones, as individual allergies can occur.
Orchids are known for their beauty and often escape the toxic plant lists. Ingestion of orchid petals is usually harmless, as they are as harmless as a bland salad leaf, though not as tasty. It is important not to turn orchids into a snack trend, as the rest of the plant has not signed up for the edible category.
What is the best orchid for a closed terrarium?
This article discusses the best miniature orchids for terrariums, including Masdevallia, Platystele, Tolumnia, Dracula, Aerangis, Phalaenopsis, Angraecum, and Lepanthes. These plants grow to the size of a palm and thrive in high-humidity environments. The article also discusses the best companion plants for these orchids, how to ensure they thrive in small enclosed spaces, and how to mimic their natural habitat. Some links may be affiliate links.
Can orchids survive in a terrarium?
Orchids thrive in specific temperature and light conditions, which can be challenging to create. To maintain the ideal environment, grow orchids in a terrarium. Select the right plants, substrate, and experiment with temperature, light, humidity, and airflow. This allows you to create the perfect atmosphere for your orchid to thrive and bloom. This article provides detailed instructions on creating an orchid terrarium.
Can orchids go in a crested gecko tank?
The author maintains a collection of orchids, though none are currently housed in their Cresties’ enclosures. One orchid was utilized for climbing while the cleaning process was underway; however, the orchid began to lose leaves and flowers prematurely. It is reasonable to conclude that the plants are safe, but the likelihood of mortality is high.
Can I put an orchid in a terrarium?
Orchids are delicate and temperamental plants that require precise environments to thrive. Terrariums, which are controlled by humidity, light, temperature, and air flow, are a popular method for maintaining a consistent growing environment. The Wardian Case, invented by Dr. Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward in 1829, is a smaller version of the terrarium. Ward noticed ferns sprouting in enclosed glass cases and discovered they grew well with minimal care. He tested transporting plants in cases on ships, finding that they survived the trips.
Wardian Cases were used to transport new specimens and agriculturally important plants worldwide and were also used as fashionable decorations in sitting rooms. They come in various shapes and sizes, and can be highly designed or simple and homemade. To grow an orchid in a Wardian Case, choose an orchid that fits the size constraints of the case and keep the case moist and out of direct sunlight. It will take time and experimentation to determine the correct environment for your Wardian Case.
Can you keep an orchid in a terrarium?
Orchids can bloom more profusely in terrariums with proper care and environment. The best growing medium for orchids in terrariums is a bark-based mix, which allows roots to breathe and provides adequate drainage. Watering orchids in terrariums should be about once a week, depending on the self-sufficiency of the terrarium. The best way to water is using a spray bottle or mister, as this helps prevent root rot and keeps leaves from getting too wet. Over or under watering can lead to root rot and a weakened plant.
Is orchid toxic to pets?
Orchids are considered pet-friendly and safe, as they are part of the Orchidaceae family. Pets and dogs are certified members of the family, and they are curious about almost anything under the sun, including flowers. They can jump on, scratch, attack, lick, nibble, or swallow the whole thing. However, not all flowers and plants are harmful. Pet parents can enjoy having stunning flower arrangements with their furry friend roaming around at home.
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provides a list of non-toxic, dog-friendly, and cat-friendly flowers that won’t be harmful to your pet. This list includes non-toxic, dog-friendly, and cat-friendly flowers that won’t be harmful to your pet.
Are orchids reptile safe?
Echeveria, a desert-like succulent plant with fleshy, waxy cuticle leaves, is a great addition to a desert-like vivarium. Abelia, a member of the honeysuckle family, is not poisonous and attracts lizards like green anoles and geckos due to its pleasant aroma. These plants are easy to maintain and provide excellent hiding spots for reptiles. Lemon balm, a mint plant, is an excellent choice for reptiles as it provides fresh vitamins and a pleasant fragrance. The plant can be chopped for feeding or placed in a cage for reptiles.
Can lizards eat orchids?
The author discusses the issue of insects eating orchids, stating that they maintain a strict spraying regimen and do not allow insects to eat the orchids themselves. They have observed them eating the blooms, roots, and even severing the bloom completely from the spike. They mention that wrapping the orchid or spike with cotton may prevent insects from eating the blooms. The author also mentions that iguana, bearded dragons, and chameleons, primarily carnivores, will eat vegetation. They mention using pepper as a potential solution, either by spraying it with hot sauce or creating a thicker paste with whole peppers and applying it to the orchids.
📹 Good & Bad (Safe) Plants for Bio-Active Terrariums!
In today’s video I go through all of the plants I have used in my gecko’s natural tanks, and I say whether or not they work well in a …
I’d definitely love to see articles on plants broken down into arid, tropical and temperate environments, as well as edible versus not for people building bioactive enclosures for critters that will definitely be munching on their plants. Oh, and maybe top fives for CUC based on the environment they’re going into too!
Another great one is a spider plant. I have used them in both hot and dry as well as super humid environments. My pothos cooked, but my spider plant thrived even though it was closer to the heat bulb. Another one is a dracaena. I have one in a super saturated vivarium and another is a forgotten houseplant that came back to life with a little water. Both plants are super hardy and versatile
Great list, all of these are staples in my enclosures. It’s hard to argue Pothos as #1, those things are bulletproof, the go in just about every home I build! I’ve got one that has completely taken over one of my garter snakes’ enclosure. It’s given them so many climbing opportunities/perches. perusal them zip around through the canopy is so much fun!
Dude, I work as a zoo horticulturist, and I totally agree with all your chooses, also I love your website and your philosophy of caring a lot and think before having any pet. Great article. Also I’ll add to this list, the ferns for your amphibians and even some cacti and many commelinaceae species, like spiderworts (just have some care with the toxic varieties, but must of the time the reptiles don’t eat any of these)
This is how we know diamond is the true star of this website LOL you almost said this is Diamond when pointing at the plant LOL. Great article is always adam, I’m actually thinking about doing a bioactive enclosure of just plants for my mom’s residence, she works in a memory care unit at a nursing home and thought that this might be kind of a cool thing for them to help them relax and de-stress them. So this very helpful
There are several vlogs on creating a bioactive…..how about an ongoing care vlog so the cleanup crew stays alive (or how to tell that it IS still alive)? Plant maintenance, i.e. splitting, pruning. Do you have to fill the bromeliad “vase” with water? Or is that only if your dart frogs are raising babies, or you need more humidity? So many questions. Is F-10 used for cleaning glass, or is water used exclusively, especially with amphibians? So there is one vlog nearly in the can. Next more juicy idea….which of your houseguests has the longest teeth? You can go smallest to largest . Which have no teeth and how prey selection works for that species, or jaw structure….and do old snakes lose their teeth like old humans? Does their tooth regeneration ever stop? Second vlog written. Booyah!
The orchid is most likely Dinema(Epidendrum) polybulbon. You forgot Peperomias, Aglaonemas, Spathopyllums,etc.Here in the states the best bet is to check out the Angel plants at your local big box store since you can find some real gems in the stuff from them although they don’t have the same amount of different stuff now they have been bought by Costa nurseries. BTW there is a new variety of pothos on market called pothos Cebu blue. I saw some plants of this for sale at my local Lowes. To many plants must stop before I go on a nd on.
I freaking love pathos! I’m going to try it out in a dry enclosure on the cool side. More arid plants would be so appreciated! I’ve got a bearded dragon that I’m upgrading within the next year or so and planning a huge enclosure. I know they tent to be tanks and knock over everything but I’m willing to try!
I just want to say I am a huge fan of your articles. I have been perusal your articles and so far been absolutely in love with them. Loved them enough that I have recently purchased me first snake. I was wondering what I’d have to do to convince you to do a article on Columbian Rainbow Boas. I got one as my first snake (his name is Foog) and I feel like I’m doing good with him but an in-depth article would be wonderful. Thank you!!!
For dry/desert I’m planning on “elephant feed” Portulacaria afra (bio dude sells ’em). Safe and edible. Seems nice and tree like. I’m surprised I don’t see this flora more widely used. Next article? How about bioactive dry/desert set up. Or adding fans to existing set ups – how that affects thermal gradient, offers enrichment, etc.
Loved this article. One thing you didn’t discuss is what plants are edible and which are toxic. While I can plant pretty much whatever I want with my cresties and day geckos, I need to be far more discriminate when planting for my prehensile tailed skinks. They eat everything in sight so all plants in their habitat need to be “safe” for them to eat.
Always been curious about the philo and pothos, alot of conflicting information online on whether its safe for reptiles to consume, both my iguanas and tortoises have eaten small amounts with no issues that i saw, but still enough conflicting info online i make sure these plants never grow into enclosures anymore. Anyone else run into this?
I would have to say the Crocodile Fern (Microsorum musifolium) is my fave terrarium plant. Pros: It tolerates a wide variation of temps from 60-85f, and it adores high humidity enclosures. It loves shady spots, but can also tolerate some light. It has an interesting leaf pattern. It’s near impossible to over water it, and will accept dryer periods as well. Cons: It can grow to be massive in the right/wrong conditions, but planting it in higher light areas keep it in check. I have mine in an open area and it’s about 4 inches tall and 8 inches across. It’s probably not great for animals that might want to eat greenery, as they can be a bit toxic. Of course a lot of this applies to most ferns, even cooler climate ones seem to do fine in my high temp/high humidity set ups.
Crested gecko humid enclosures plants that worked for me: calathea (stromanthe thalia) for the background as they are quite tall, birds nest fern is quite hardy, likes moisture and doesnt require too much light, parlour palm (this one thrives most for me), alocasia mortfontanensis, dracena marginata and ZZ plant (this one thrives on neglect, honestly!)
Plants are related to the environment they like. So some plants are need humid and wet conditions. Other like succulents and cacti need hot, dry and very bright condition. Check houseplant website that will give you plant needs. Fitonia will not do well in a dry environment. So you need to divide your plants between tropical and desert. You can’t just say what’s good for a bioactive terrarium. It’s what’s ok for a tropical humid terrarium or what’s great for a dry desert terrarium. So the key is researching the plants and see the environment they like. Some thrive in a humid bathrooms. Others will be fine in your home with central heating. The key is researching your plants. Bioactive herpes sells plants and divide by environment. Check them out.
Your tank is so nice looking! I can tell the work you put into it. I’m just wondering on the moss you have on the bottom of your tank what it’s called where you got it and how it’s doing. Looking for new moss because I think the moss I got from Lowe’s wasn’t cleaned and might have let little bugs and stuff travel to my cage.
Hi! I was wondering if you were worried about the spikes on the star bromeliad you showed, scratching up the geckos? I recently bought 3 different bromeliads and when I received them in the mail and opened the package, I seen that they all had these very sharp spikes on them, I’m worried if I put them in my tanks they would shred my geckos. Someone told me to cut the spikes off, do you have any advise on this?
i have 2 sempervivums in my back yard planter and its doing fantastic. but it did not belong to me in the first place, i had never paid any attention to it until a couple days ago. (it never got watered for 5 years but was still alive. the other day a noticed the bottom leaves where looking and feeling kind of mushy so i watered them, and after that they looked much better. it just goes to show you they can’t go for ever without water, but they can go quite a while without water.
Do u cut the bromeliad pups off? if yes, maybe thats why they didnt do well. The vanilla probably likes the minerals in tap water so once u changed to bottle water it stopped growing. Also tillandsias dont like terrarium conditions cos they like low humidity and lots of air movement, especially the species that have more little silver hairs on them.
I have a few questions. 1) does my leopard gecko need a heat mat? The pet store workers said no. 2) does my gecko need a specialized light? 3) could it be possible that my gecko is bored of only eating Mealworms? Since he won’t even eat anything after I encouraged him using your ways. 4) my geckos toes looks a bit weird, likes it bent to one side. 5) how do I know it’s shedding? Compared to its first day when I got him, his skin was more brighter? Now it’s kinda dull, and I sprayed some water gently, but no skin came off after doing this for a week. 6) my gecko won’t eat, and the tail is slowly getting thinner and thinner. Please help 7)I take my gecko out of its cage a lot, is that a possible reason why he’s still not used to his new environment. If so, how long should I leave him be? (I just got him for a total of eight days)
Hi I love your articles and they’re super helpful but I was wondering I bought a gecko today and at the moment it’s night time here but he’s very skinny also when I got him the lady told me he didn’t like hunting crickets meaning he had to be hand fed or he preferred meal worms but I tried feeding him an already dead cricket like the lady suggested but he seems very un interested and I’m worried there may be something wrong with him 🙁