Best Plants for Tegu Enclosures
Tegus are large, magnificent reptiles that require large, sturdy habitats to be successfully kept in captivity. One essential element in creating a natural, enriching tegu habitat is the inclusion of live plants. Not only do these plants enhance the aesthetics of the enclosure, but they also provide enrichment and aid in humidity retention in your tegu's enclosure. Here are the top five plants you should consider for your tegu's enclosure:
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum):
Pothos is a popular choice for tegu enclosures due to its adaptability and lush, trailing foliage. Tegus love to explore and investigate their surroundings, and the resilience of pothos makes it a great choice for tegu enclosures.. Additionally, pothos can be grown as a hanging plant, which allows you to suspend the root ball in a hanging planter away from your curious tegu to protect the plant.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata):
Snake plants are visually appealing due to their rigid, upright growth pattern. Their foliage is also incredibly resilient, making them an excellent choice for tegu enclosures. Snake plants are well-suited for low-light conditions and can thrive with minimal care, meaning they can be planted on the cool side of your tegus enclosure away from primary light sources and still thrive.
3. Palms:
Tegus are native to tropical regions, so adding a palm brings a touch of their natural habitat. There are many species of palm with widely varying appearances. These plants provide both visual appeal and hiding spots for your tegu. Many palms appreciate higher humidity environments, just like tegus making them great enclosure mates. Plant palms in heavy pots to prevent your tegu from digging them up during their digging expeditions.
4. Rubber Tree (Ficus elastica):
Rubber trees have broad leaves and rigid trunks; they are not only visually appealing but also hardy enough to withstand the occasional tegu antics. With their thick woody stems, they can take the battering of an adventurous tegu.
5. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.):
Dracaena plants come in various varieties, each with its unique foliage and aesthetic appeal. The colorful leaves and upright growth of dracaenas create an engaging and visually stimulating environment for your tegu. These plants can tolerate a range of light conditions, making them suitable for enclosures with varying lighting levels. As dracena mature, they form a trunk, elevating their new foliage, helping to protect newer growth from mischievous tegus.
**Planting Tips for Tegu Enclosures:**
- **Heavy Pots:** Choose ceramic or terracotta pots that are heavy enough to prevent your tegu from uprooting the plants. Bury the pots partially in the substrate for increased stability.
- **Weigh down:** You can use pond stones or other medium to large-sized rocks around the base of your plants to further secure them in the soil and discourage your tegu from uprooting them. Ensure rocks are large enough to not become a choking hazard, but not large enough where they could shift around and become a safety risk for your tegu.
- **Watering:** Water your plants regularly but avoid waterlogged soil, as excessive moisture can be detrimental to both the plants and your tegu. A good rule of thumb is to water when the first inch or more of the soil is dry.
- **Quarantine New Plants:** Isolate new plants for at least a month when bringing them home to avoid introducing pests or pesticides to your skink’s enclosure. Replanting the plant into fresh soil that you are sure does not contain fertilizers or pesticides is a good idea, as well as giving the leaves a thorough rinse.
Incorporating these plant varieties into your tegu's enclosure will help to provide an enriching and stimulating environment for your beloved reptile.
To learn more about tegus, bioactive enclosures, and other interesting reptile information, check out our care sheets and articles section!
