Many of you know me from various reptile expos around the Pittsburgh area where I sell plants and clean up crews to help you get your very own bioactive enclosure up and running for your pets! A bioactive enclosure is one that includes plants, soil, and a clean up crew usually consisting of microfauna such as springtails and isopods. The clean up crew will help to eat any mold, decaying plant material, and droppings from your animals, as well as help to fertilize your plants. Essentially, you are creating your very own mini ecosystem! Bioactive enclosures are meant to mimic the natural environment of your pet as much as possible, while also creating a low maintenance enclosure. Caring for a bioactive enclosure is as easy as spot cleaning, picking up droppings as you see them, cleaning the glass, and any other care your pet may need, such as misting. Trimming plants and aerating the soil should be done on an as needed basis. To properly replicate your pets natural habitat, you must first learn about where your pet comes from.
Poison dart frogs live in the rain forests of Central and South America where they get their poison from the diet they eat in the wild. In captivity, the frogs do not have access to the same insects as they would in the wild, therefore they will not have the same toxic traits. There are around 200 species contained within the dart frog family, but not all are available in the pet trade. Of the 16 genera, only about four are common in the pet trade. Though there is so much variety contained within this group of frogs and they cover a few different habitats, all of the habitats have two main things in common: foliage and moisture. With that in mind, lets go over some plants that would thrive in the conditions the frogs need.
There are a couple of plants I call “always good” plants. These are ones that can tolerate a wide range of conditions and are a tried and true plant to be used in a variety of enclosures, especially tropical enclosures. These plants can tolerate some severe abuse, both in the sense of physical that your animals may inflict and with care. Though this list is short, it will not steer you wrong.
Pothos come in a variety of color variations. They can act as a ground cover or climb with supports. The vines will grow aerial roots that attach to surfaces such as cork bark, wood, even foam backgrounds. The petioles are long enough to provide hiding areas for the frogs if used as a groundcover, yet sturdy enough to hold the frogs, should they choose to climb them instead.
Spider plants may be related to asparagus, but it certainly acts more like a grass. It tolerates a mow very similarly to grass does, so if the plant begins to outgrow the enclosure, a simple cut back will help to mitigate that. They come in solid green, variegated, and curly! Spider plants will eventually send out the iconic pups. If these pups are allowed to touch the soil surface, they will root elsewhere in the enclosure. If you do not want it to spread, simply cut the bloom stalks as they form.
Groundcover plants are those that grow along the ground and can eventually fill out the substrate surface. They often give nice places for your isopods and springtails to hide. They can help to mitigate the need for replacing leaf litter consistently as it decomposes, as this will act as a living leaf litter. While it may not completely rid the need for leaf litter, it can help limit the amount used.
String of Turtles is a very popular houseplant. It is called such because its circular leaves look like the shells of turtles! This plant goes by the latin name Peperomia prostrata. You will often find them displayed in the succulent section, however they are not succulents. They are tropical plants native to Brazil, making them the perfect plant for the tropical enclosure needed for your frogs. The native range of this plant and several species of frogs overlaps, meaning this may be one they would come across in the wild. As a slow to moderate grower in most circumstances, this plant does not need much maintenance in an enclosure.
Despite its common name, this plant is not a pothos at all! This is Scindapsus pictus, sometimes also called the silver satin pothos due to the satin like appearance of the leaves. This is another popular houseplant native to Borneo, Sumatra, the Philippines, and the surrounding areas. It functions similarly to a pothos in the vivarium setting, able to climb, trail, or act as a ground cover. This doesnt grow quite as vigorously as pothos and requires less trimming, if you are looking for a similar vine with less maintenance.
Strawberry begonias are not strawberries, nor begonias. It gets this name by having a begonia-like appearance to the leaves, and sending out runners, like strawberries. Other common names include creeping saxifrage, roving sailor, Aarons beard, and creeping rockfoil. It will flower lovely white flowers high above the leaves. This plant is native to China, Japan, and Korea. This plant overall tolerates the humidity well and is a wonderful choice for an interesting groundcover.
Tradescantia, spiderworts or inch plants, come in various sizes and colors. They all do swimmingly as houseplants and enclosure plants alike. They grow very quickly which can be both a blessing and a curse. Consider the size of your enclosure and the frequency at which you are willing to trim plants in order to decide if you should add this plant to your enclosure. They are a favorite among chameleon keepers, as they grow fast enough to tolerate the damage their pets can do. If your frogs are particularly destructive, this may be a good choice for you.
Selaginella is the only living genus in the family of spike mosses, Selaginellaceae. They are an ancient plant and do very well as groundcover for the more horizontal species. Some species grow more upright, which will stay small, just a few inches tall. It is a great plant for any area that stays a little too wet, like by the water bowl, or in enclosures with high humidity.
In the jungle setting, all of the plants on this list would be considered either understory or groundcover plants. When you shrink the jungle down to fit in your reptile room, the terms can switch definitions a bit. Understory plants are those that are taller than groundcover plants, but are still shorter than those that would grow to be as tall as the enclosure.
Setting up the perfect vivarium for your dart frog requires careful selection of the right plants The plants not only provide visual interest and enrichment, but also help maintain ideal humidity and provide hiding spots and terrain for your frog
After extensive research across dart frog forums hobbyist groups and speaking with experts, I’ve compiled this definitive list of the 19 best plants for dart frog vivaria. These plants are beautiful, hardy, and frog-safe.
1. Spider Plant
The spider plant is a popular house plant that also thrives in the high humidity of a dart frog terrarium. It forms impressive clumps of long arching leaves that provide ground cover and hiding places. The leaves can reach 12-18 inches long. Spider plants are extremely hardy and recover quickly even if conditions get too dry for a period of time.
2. Silver Pothos
Sometimes called satin pothos, this tropical vine has heart-shaped silvery-green leaves that look stunning crawling up a background or dangling from branches. It’s a fast grower that can quickly cover the ground too. Silver pothos enjoys the warm, humid environment and does best in partial sunlight.
3. Peace Lily
With its elegant white flowers and lush dark green leaves, the peace lily adds a touch of class and color to the vivarium. It thrives in the moist, warm conditions and filtered light. The upright leaves work perfectly as a background plant.
4. Mother-In-Law’s Tongue
Also known by its scientific name sansevieria or common name snake plant, the mother-in-law’s tongue has stiff, succulent leaves that can grow quite large. It is drought tolerant so can be placed in the drier areas of the tank. The upright leaves provide height and interest.
5. Anthurium
Anthuriums are a tropical plant known for their glossy heart shaped leaves and bright flowering spikes. There are many color variations available, but the most common is red. The flowers last for weeks, adding a pop of color. Place them in the shadier spots. The leaves also provide good hiding places.
6. Heartleaf Philodendron
This popular house plant has 24 inch long, heart-shaped leaves emerging from vining stems. It’s an easy plant to grow and maintain, tolerating a wide range of conditions. The lush leaves trail gracefully in the tank and provide security for shy frogs.
7. Chinese Money Plant
Also called missionary plant, the Chinese money plant has very unique rounded, coin-shaped leaves that stack up the stems. It grows quickly into a bushy mound up to 10 inches tall. The dense foliage offers lots of nooks and crannies for frogs to explore and hunker down in.
8. Creeping Saxifrage
This trailing plant is perfect for covering the floor and crawling up backgrounds with a lush carpet of round scalloped leaves on wiry stems. Also known as strawberry begonia, it has decorative strawberry-like runners. Creeping saxifrage grows speedily under bright indirect light.
9. Mood Moss
As a moisture loving plant, mood moss thrives in the humid environment of a dart frog vivarium. It forms thick emerald green cushions and takes on a windswept look as it grows. When dry it looks nearly dead, but springs back to life when misted. The mounded shape provides hills and valleys for your frog to climb.
10. Janet Craig Dracaena
The Janet Craig is a compact, slow growing dracaena that reaches 2-4 feet tall. It has strappy, tightly packed dark green leaves emerging from a very stiff central stem. Easy to care for, it’s content in moderate light. Place it in the background for an interesting texture.
11. Pearls and Jade Pothos
No dart frog planting list would be complete without pothos, one of the most popular vivarium plants. Pearls and jade pothos has white speckled heart shaped leaves that trail gracefully. A vigorous grower in any lighting conditions, it may need occasional trimming.
12. Nerve Plants
Nerve plants, or fittonias, are a must for ground cover. Their gorgeous pink, red, or white veined leaves spread across the substrate, providing a living carpet. They flourish in the moist, warm environment with low to moderate light. Avoid standing water.
13. Hoya Heart
The waxplant hoya kerrii offers huge, thick succulent heart-shaped leaves on trailing stems. A single leaf can reach 8 inches across, providing ample hiding spots beneath its canopy. This tropical plant enjoys humid conditions and bright, indirect light.
14. Xerographic Air Plant
Air plants are fascinating epiphytic plants that cling to branches, rocks, and logs with their roots exposed. Tillandsia xerographica has curly silvery leaves that twist into rosette shapes. As an air plant, it doesn’t require any soil, just occasional misting.
15. Pineapple Plant
Pineapple plants add a fun tropical feel with their spiky leaves and decorative pinecones that resemble mini pineapples. Most varieties won’t fruit indoors, but a small plant can add greenery and texture without taking over the tank. Keep just the leaves exposed.
16. Sky Plant
Also known as blushing bride, this popular air plant has curly thin green leaves with blushing red or pink tips when it blooms. Another epiphyte, it attaches to surfaces with root hairs. Mist it several times a week and soak occasionally. Bright light enhances the red coloration.
17. Dumb Cane Dieffenbachia
The large, upright leaves of dumb cane provide an excellent background for larger tanks. It can grow up to 6 feet tall with leaves up to 12 inches long. Prefers moist soil and high humidity. The striking variegated varieties add splashes of white to brighten up shady spots.
18. Java Moss
Java moss is a go to aquatic plant for providing thick green carpets underwater and a tropical look. It attaches to any surface including rocks, wood, and decorations. Java moss doesn’t require special care beyond keeping it wet, making it perfect for a paludarium setup.
19. Creeping Staurogyne
A hardy foreground plant, Staurogyne repens produces dense, spreading mats of small green leaves on short stems, reaching just 3-6 inches tall. It adds lush greenery for ground cover and a bit of texture with its crinkled leaves. Thrives in wet conditions and moderate lighting.
When choosing plants, consider your frog’s size, tank conditions, and how large each plant will grow to create a well-balanced ecosystem. With the right selections, your dart frogs will enjoy grazing, hiding, and climbing through their own slice of tropical paradise.
Prayer Plants (Maranta or Calathea)
Prayer plants are those within the Maranta and Calathea genera. These plants are named such, as the leaves fold up at night, as if they are folding their hands in prayer, but lay flat to absorb sunlight during the day. They range in size and have a moderate to slow growth rate, meaning trimming will not be frequently necessary. When trimming this plant, be sure to trim the stem, not the petiole, or the portion of the plant that connects the leaf to the stem. To learn more about the the care for each genus, take a peek at the posts titled “Calathea Care” and “Maranta Care.”
Rex begonias are the most common, but all begonias are going to provide both wonderful color and texture with their leaves. For the frogs, the leaves act as surfaces to climb on and hide under. Begonias can be tough to take care of in the houseplant setting, as they need high humidity and moisture in order to thrive, just like frogs. Many begonias also have showy flowers to add to the aesthetic appeal. Begonia species range in color from shades of green with white polka dots to deep reds, nearly to black. Some species of begonias grow tall. These species are easy to trim if they begin to outgrow the tank. Trimming these begonias will also give them a bushier appearance as they grow back.
Top 5 Terrarium Plants That Will Change The Way You Keep Reptiles | Featuring @MikeTytula
FAQ
What are the best plants for dart frogs?
Safe plants to use: calathea and anthurium species, pothos, and ficus vines, tropical gingers, bromeliads, etc. Enjoy!
What plants are good for frogs?
Pothos is your best friend, fast growing, indestructible and won’t get squished by the frogs. Other good options are wandering jew, nerve plants, bromeliads, philodendron, and bushy ground cover plants like pileas/fittonias.
What carnivorous plants are safe for dart frogs?
Genlisea: “corkscrew plants” these will probably do quite well in dart frog tanks. Constantly wet soils, combined with warm temps are ideal for this genus. Being that this genus preys microscopic soil living organisms they are harmless to the frogs.
What is the best dart frog setup?
For Dart Frogs you do not want standing water, so you create a forest style enclosure with small pockets of water, or running water where possible. We always recommend going bioactive with live plants for Poison Dart Frogs and you should set up your enclosure fully before bringing your frogs home.
How to care for a dart frog?
It’s recommended to provide your dart frog with plants and branches, offering hiding places for your frog to enjoy some privacy and feel safe. The more hiding places you provide, the more comfortable your frog is going to be. The plants you select should be chosen based on their environment.
Which frog plant is best for a dart frog enclosure?
The Chinese money plant is recommended for larger dart frog enclosures. It tolerates high humidity environments but also does well in low humidity. It needs a well-drained substrate that doesn’t allow the roots to be allowed to sit in the water for extended periods. This plant offers excellent hiding in a natural way. 8. Creeping Saxifrage
What plants are safe for dart frogs?
Make sure that the plants are safe for your dart frogs. Some of these safe plants are bromeliads, pothos, orchids, ficus vines, philodendron, peace lily, spider plants, flamingo flowers, etc.
What Wood is best for a dart frog vivarium?
For a dart frog vivarium, Cork bark, Ghostwood, Malaysian Driftwood, and Mopani are the best choices of wood. These types can withstand the high humidity levels in the vivarium. You can also affix living moss to your wood for a more natural touch.
What is a dart frog vivarium?
A dart frog vivarium is a terrarium designed for dart frogs. It consists of a physical structure, usually made of glass, that holds everything inside. To maintain a suitable environment for dart frogs, you need to keep the temperature in the vivarium around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do dart frogs eat plants?
Take your dart frog’s size into consideration when selecting plants for their enclosure. The heavier they are, the more likely they will crush plants. In addition to this, using live plants in the habitat increases humidity levels, creates oxygen, and breaks down waste inside the enclosure. 1. Spider Plant Species Name: Chlorophytum comosum.