The Best Plants For A Tokay Gecko Tank (Complete List)

No matter what kind of pet you bring home, you want to make sure their space is as comfortable and livable as possible. With a tokay gecko, one of the things you might want to consider for their tank are plants. 

You do want to be particular about the plants you add to this gecko’s tank to ensure they don’t end up making their habitat unsuitable. Plants can also be overwhelming to navigate if you’re not a plant person, so there are some recommendations that tokay geckos are known to enjoy when it comes to plants. 

Be sure you pick the best plants for your tokay gecko by reading more about appropriate choices below. 

Best Types Of Plants For Tokay In A Terrarium

Tokays don’t like eating plants, but sticking with reptile-safe plants is your best bet in case they do take a nibble. Thankfully, there are a lot of options that both you and your gecko can enjoy. Tall plants are good so they can climb them, but you don’t want the plants so tall that they make the tank lid less secure. 

It’s also worth looking for plants that are fairly low maintenance, and appreciate a similar type of living condition as your tokay gecko does. Plants that need to be watered every day may become a hassle for you. 

Should I Use Live Plants Or Fake Ones?

You can choose live plants that are safe for reptiles, but you can also mix in some fake ones if you prefer. Your gecko would likely prefer live plants, but be sure you’re able to take care of the plants. Otherwise, fake might be best. 

Live plants have a host of benefits for your tokay gecko. Importantly, they make their tank feel more homey. They also help keep healthy oxygen in the tank, and contribute to keeping temperature and humidity levels stable. 

The one thing to keep in mind when choosing between real and fake plants is that you’ll have to be able to water them to keep them healthy. You’ll have to manage this by either moving your gecko somewhere else temporarily, or by keeping an eye on them so they don’t try to escape. 

What Plants Are Safe For Tokays?

You have a great selection in terms of plants that are safe for a tokay’s tank or terrarium, including: 

• Schefflera
• African Violets
• Dracaena
• Pothos
• Ficus
• Snake Plants
• Spider Plants
• Philodendron

As mentioned, there are some plants considered toxic to tokay geckos. You should avoid these plants, regardless of whether or not your gecko likes to chew on or nibble plants. 

Should You Buy Locally Or Get Them Shipped To You?

Buying local plants is preferable, so you know that they aren’t coming to you with any hitchhikers (bugs). You can also be more selective about what you’re bringing into your tokay gecko’s tank. 

How Many Plants For One Tokay Gecko Tank Do I Need?

You can put quite a few plants into your tokay gecko’s tank and they’ll be happy. They appreciate having multiple options of plants to explore, play with, and climb on. Tokay geckos also like being able to hide themselves behind plants when they don’t want to be bothered. 

Be sure to monitor your gecko’s plants to make sure they are growing well, and aren’t showing any signs of rot. It might be worth having some gloves or hand protection when you go to water the plants in case your tokay gecko is especially nibbly. 

Final Thoughts 

Plants are highly recommended – along with toys and substrate – in your tokay’s tank. This particular gecko loves having a lot of things to see and interact with in their tank, especially because they live alone and don’t come out of their tank. 

Having plants within a tank can also help to create a living space that is somewhat comparable to what geckos enjoy when out in their native habitats.