Adding live plants to your leopard gecko’s terrarium can provide many benefits Plants help create a more naturalistic environment, increase humidity, provide hiding spots, and give your gecko enrichment However, not all plants are safe for leopard geckos, so it’s important to choose species that are non-toxic and suited to a desert environment.

In this article, we’ll cover 12 of the best live plant options to consider for your leopard gecko’s terrarium. We’ll go over care requirements, growth habits, and safety for each plant recommendation.

1. Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera bridgesii) is a popular houseplant that can also thrive in a leopard gecko terrarium. Native to the tropical rainforests of Brazil, this epiphytic cactus has flattened stem segments with rounded teeth on the edges.

During late fall and winter, the Christmas cactus produces beautiful tubular flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, orange, and white This long-lived plant is non-toxic and safe for leopard geckos It prefers bright, indirect light and moderately moist, well-draining soil.

2. String of Bananas

Senecio radicans, commonly called string of bananas, is a trailing succulent perfect for a leopard gecko’s terrarium. This plant has curving, banana-shaped leaves that form chains hanging down from winding stems that can reach up to 3 feet long.

Native to South Africa, string of bananas thrives in bright light and dry, well-drained soil. The small leaves provide nice groundcover and the trailing stems give height to the terrarium without taking up much footprint space. This easy-to-grow succulent is non-toxic for leopard geckos.

3. String of Pearls

Similar to string of bananas, Senecio rowleyanus (string of pearls) is another excellent trailing succulent for a leopard gecko terrarium. This plant gets its name from the round, pearl-shaped leaves that densely cover its hanging stems.

Native to southwest Africa, string of pearls does best in bright indirect light with dry, well-drained soil The stems can grow up to 2 feet long, quickly forming lush curtains in the terrarium. This low maintenance succulent is safe for leopard geckos and provides great texture and interest

4. Rhipsalis Elliptica

An epiphytic cactus species, Rhipsalis elliptica is a unique choice for a naturalistic leopard gecko terrarium. In nature, this cactus grows on trees or rocks in humid forest areas. The dangling stems are lined with flattened, elliptical leaves.

When mature, Rhipsalis elliptica produces petite white flowers followed by red berries. It enjoys moderately moist soil and indirect sunlight. A safe option for leopard geckos, this trailing Rhipsalis species can provide beautiful cascades of greenery in the terrarium.

5. Hindu Rope Plant

The Hindu rope plant (Hoya carnosa compacta) is an interesting trailing plant with curled, twisted leaves. It has a bushy, shrub-like appearance, but is actually a vining plant. The succulent leaves are thick and waxy.

Native to southern India, Hindu rope plant needs bright indirect light and dry soil between waterings. It can occasionally produce fragrant star-shaped flowers. The vine stems can potentially reach 20 feet long but grow slowly. This unique specimen is non-toxic for leopard geckos.

6. Crown of Thorns

Euphorbia milii, also called crown of thorns, is a succulent shrub that can add color and texture to a leopard gecko’s terrarium. This plant has spiny stems and attractive glossy green leaves. The cultivar ‘Dwarf Apache’ stays more compact at 6-12 inches tall.

Native to Madagascar, crown of thorns needs lots of direct sun and dry, well-drained soil like a cactus. It blooms in vibrant red, pink, or white flowers. With proper lighting and occasional pruning, this desert-adapted plant can thrive in a leopard gecko terrarium.

7. Wax Plant

Hoya carnosa is commonly called wax plant thanks to its thick, waxy leaves. Many different Hoya varieties exist, but Hoya carnosa is one of the most popular for terrariums. The vining stems produce umbrella-shaped clusters of starry flowers that release a lovely, sweet fragrance.

Wax plant grows well in indirect light and dry soil. Allow it to slightly dry out between waterings. As a succulent vine, wax plant is well-suited to the dry environment preferred by leopard geckos. It is non-irritating and non-toxic.

8. Walking Kalanchoe

With pretty scalloped leaves and trailing stems, walking kalanchoe (Kalanchoe synsepala) is an attractive option for a leopard gecko terrarium. This succulent creeper hails from South Africa. The leaves are tinged red around the edges, giving this plant nice coloration.

Walking kalanchoe grows best in indirect light with dry soil. The long stems root wherever they touch the ground, allowing the plant to spread or “walk.” As with other succulents, walking kalanchoe prefers less frequent watering. This non-toxic plant is safe for leopard gecko enclosures.

9. Rhipsalis Rauhiorum

Rhipsalis rauhiorum is a tropical cactus species that grows as a bushy epiphyte with dangling segmented stems. The leaves are rounded and flat. Tiny white blooms occasionally appear.

This Rhipsalis species does well in indirect sunlight and moderately moist, well-draining soil. Regular misting will help mimic its tropical habitat. The stems trail down nicely and grow to about 3 inches long. Rhipsalis rauhiorum is non-toxic and safe for leopard geckos.

10. Rhipsalis Hans Weiler

Another epiphytic trailing species, Rhipsalis sp. ‘Hans Weiler’ has cylindrical segmented stems that gracefully drape down. The smooth, flattened stems give this plant a whimsical look.

Rhipsalis Hans Weiler enjoys bright indirect sunlight and moderately moist soil. Avoid overwatering. In nature, these tropical cacti grow on trees and rocks where their roots can get plenty of air circulation. This variety grows to about 3 inches long and can make a beautiful backdrop plant in a naturalistic vivarium.

11. Hurricane Cactus

Lepismium cruciforme, also called hurricane cactus or crucifix orchid, is an epiphytic vine valued for its unique spiraling leaf pattern. The leaves grow in whorls up the green stems, forming crosses. Tiny fuzzy white blooms occasionally appear.

This tropical plant prefers indirect light and humid conditions with well-draining soil. Allow it to dry slightly between waterings. Hurricane cactus can spread up to 2 feet wide, with stems growing around 3 inches long. This trailing cactus species is non-toxic for leopard geckos.

12. Rhipsalis Craig Allen

Rhipsalis sp. ‘Craig Allen’ is a beautiful cascading species with thin, tubular segmented stems that twist and turn as they hang down. The stems are green with hints of purple blushing when exposed to plenty of light.

Like many tropical Rhipsalis species, this plant needs bright indirect light and humid conditions. Water when the soil dries out, allowing good drainage so the roots don’t sit in moisture. Rhipsalis Craig Allen is non-toxic and the wispy stems can grow to around 2 inches long, creating a lovely draping effect in the terrarium.

Providing Proper Care

When keeping any of these plants in your leopard gecko’s terrarium, be sure to give them the proper care they need to thrive. Here are some tips:

• Choose a non-toxic, well-draining soil or substrate. Avoid using fertilizers or compost in the terrarium.

• Provide adequate lighting based on the plant’s requirements. Many of these plants prefer bright indirect light.

• Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings to avoid root rot. Water less frequently during winter months.

• Trim back plants when they outgrow the space. You can also remove plants and transplant them into an indoor pot or outdoor garden bed.

• Maintain proper temperatures and humidity ranges for both the plants and your leopard gecko.

With the right species selection, setup, and care, adding live plants can be very beneficial for a leopard gecko’s terrarium habitat. Just be sure to do your research and choose non-toxic, low maintenance plants suited to a desert environment. The 12 options covered here are some of the best and safest choices to consider.