Best Plants for a Green Tree Frog Enclosure
Key Considerations
- Plants should be non-toxic, sturdy enough to support climbing frogs, and thrive in warm, humid conditions.
- Live plants help maintain humidity, provide hiding spots, and enrich the environment.
Top Recommended Plants
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Extremely hardy, fast-growing, and tolerant of a range of conditions. Pothos vines provide dense cover and strong leaves for climbing.
- Philodendrons: Both vining and upright varieties are suitable. They have broad, sturdy leaves and are easy to grow in humid enclosures.
- Ficus (e.g., Ficus benjamina): Tall, upright growth habit; offers vertical climbing space and dense foliage for cover.
- Dracaena: Attractive, upright plants with tough leaves. Suitable for the humid, low-light environment of a frog enclosure.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Non-toxic, resilient, and provides good ground or mid-level cover.
- Bromeliads: Colorful and structural; their leaf cups can hold water, mimicking natural microhabitats for frogs. Best used in the lower or cooler parts of the enclosure to prevent drying out.
- Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): Durable, flexible leaves that can withstand the weight of frogs and bounce back after being climbed on.
- Calathea: Broad-leafed, humidity-loving, and visually striking. Provides excellent cover and climbing opportunities.
- Hoya: Thick, waxy leaves and vining growth. Prefers to dry out between waterings, so position carefully in the enclosure.
- Spikemoss (Selaginella spp.): Excellent groundcover for maintaining humidity and reducing bare soil.
- Anthurium: Bushy growth and broad leaves provide hiding places and perches.
- Pilea: Especially Pilea depressa, which forms a dense carpet and tolerates being trampled by frogs.
- Monstera: Large, sturdy leaves suitable for climbing and hiding, but ensure the variety fits the enclosure size.
- Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera arboricola): Good for tall enclosures, offers a tree-like structure for climbing.
Plants to Avoid
- Any plant with toxic sap or sharp edges.
- Delicate ferns or plants that cannot support the frogs’ weight, as they may be damaged by climbing.
Tips for Success
- Mix tall, climbing plants with groundcovers for a layered effect.
- Ensure all plants are pesticide-free and safe for amphibians.
- Water and mist plants with dechlorinated water.
- Monitor plant health and prune as needed to prevent overgrowth.
These plant choices will help create a lush, naturalistic, and functional habitat for your green tree frogs, supporting their health and natural behaviours.