What a vivarium is and why plant choice differs
A vivarium is an enclosure that houses a living animal, such as a reptile or amphibian, along with plants and a setup that copies part of its natural habitat. Plants are used for cover, humidity, appearance and, in bioactive setups, to help break down waste alongside cleanup insects and soil organisms.
Plant choice differs from a decorative terrarium for a few reasons. Animals walk on, burrow under and sometimes chew plants. Waste and warm, humid conditions can stress weaker plants. And an animal may be harmed by a plant that would be harmless on a shelf. For the general basics of planting a glass container, see our guide to house plants for terrariums.
What to look for in a vivarium plant
- Durability. Sturdy stems and leaves that tolerate being climbed on and brushed past.
- Suitability for the environment. Match humidity, temperature and light to the plant, not just the animal.
- Reasonable growth. Fast growers can fill the space but need regular trimming; slow growers need protection while they establish.
- Safety for the animal. This is the most important factor, covered below.
- Healthy, pesticide-free stock. Plants from garden centers may have been treated with chemicals. Rinse them well or choose sellers who grow plants for animal enclosures.
Tropical vivarium plants
These are commonly mentioned for warm, humid enclosures. Suitability depends on your animal and setup, so treat this as a starting list.
- Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum). Often described as the most durable option, with fast growth and good tolerance for humidity and mess. It is also commonly listed as toxic if eaten, so check it against your species first.
- Nerve plant (Fittonia). A low ground cover for humid, lower-light enclosures.
- Creeping fig (Ficus pumila). Covers background walls with fine foliage. It grows quickly and needs trimming, and ficus sap can irritate skin.
- Peperomia. Usually slow-growing and compact, which reduces the risk of crowding in smaller enclosures.
- Selaginella. A moss-like plant with fine texture; it likes humidity and partial shade and does not tolerate drying out.
- Bromeliads. The central cups of some bromeliads hold water and are used in setups for climbing frogs and similar species. Keep cups clean and avoid stagnant water.
- Small begonias. Some species are reported to flower well in lower light near the bottom of humid enclosures.
- Tillandsia (air plants). (See what happens when an air plant flowers.) Can be mounted on wood or the background without soil, with good airflow and misting.
Plants for high humidity
If your enclosure stays consistently humid, plants such as Fittonia, Selaginella, many ferns, mosses, small bromeliads and some peperomias are usually more reliable than plants that need dry soil between waterings. Make sure the enclosure also has some ventilation, since constant stagnant moisture can encourage mold and rot.
Plants for arid vivariums
Desert and dry-habitat setups need very different plants. Hardy succulents such as haworthia or sansevieria are sometimes used, along with other drought-tolerant species. Many succulents and cacti have spines or sap that are unsuitable for some animals, and they will rot in a humid enclosure. Research the plants carefully for your species, and never mix arid and humid plants in one container.
Plants for large enclosures
Larger enclosures allow bigger plants and more layering: climbers such as pothos or philodendron-type vines on the background, mid-level bromeliads and ferns, and a low ground cover. Large plants still need pruning, and extra weight on branches or cork can stress the setup. Keep the plants proportionate to the animal and its movement space.
Plants to avoid
- Plants that are known to be toxic to your specific animal.
- Plants treated with systemic pesticides or fertilizer that has not been rinsed away.
- Succulents and cacti in a humid enclosure.
- Plants with sharp spines or thorns where an animal could be injured.
- Very large or very fast-growing plants in a small enclosure.
Animal safety
Do not rely on a general houseplant list to decide whether a plant is safe for a reptile or amphibian. Toxicity differs between species and between plant parts, and information for these animals is far less complete than for cats and dogs. Before buying, check the plant against reputable sources for your specific animal, ask a reptile or amphibian veterinarian, and choose plants your animal is unlikely to eat.
If an animal eats a plant and acts unwell, contact a veterinarian promptly. Also keep the enclosure itself out of reach of young children and other pets, since the plants and substrate may not be safe to touch or eat. Some plants used in vivariums, such as pothos and creeping fig, are commonly listed as toxic to people and pets if eaten.
Planting and early care
Rinse new plants thoroughly, remove loose old soil where possible, and quarantine them for a short time to watch for pests. Plant into a substrate suited to the plant and animal, and let plants establish before adding delicate species. Trim regularly so lighting and airflow reach the lower levels. Provide appropriate lighting for the plants as well as the animal; many plants need light that is brighter than what the animal requires.