Are Air Plants Safe For Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons are popular pet lizards known for their gentle demeanor and ease of care. But while bearded dragon owners know a lot about how to keep them healthy, they may not be aware that air plants can pose a danger to these small reptiles.

In this article, we will explore the potential risks associated with air plants and discuss whether or not they should be included in your bearded dragon’s habitat. We will also provide some tips on how to ensure your pet is safe if you do decide to introduce air plants into its environment.

Bearded dragons are a popular and gentle pet lizard, with many owners unaware of the potential dangers associated with air plants. While it is possible to have air plants in your bearded dragon’s habitat, there are certain risks you should be aware of and steps you can take to ensure their safety.

Risks Associated With Air Plants

Air plants are often attractive additions to any terrarium or vivarium, but they can present some unique hazards for bearded dragons. These include:

• Ingestion – Bearded dragons may be tempted to eat an air plant due to its leafy texture. Ingesting large amounts of foliage can cause digestive issues, including blockages.
• Toxicity – Many air plants contain toxins that can irritate the skin or even cause internal damage if ingested by your pet.
• Allergies – If a bearded dragon has an allergic reaction when exposed to an air plant, it could lead to irritation or infection from the pollen or spores released by the plant.

Precautions To Take

If you decide that having air plants in your bearded dragon’s habitat is worth the risk, there are several precautions you should take in order to keep them safe. These include:

• Choose Non-Toxic Varieties – Research different types of air plants before introducing them into your beardie’s home and make sure they do not contain any known toxins that could harm your reptile.
• Provide Alternatives – Offer other sources of enrichment such as climbing branches or hide boxes so that they have something else to focus on rather than the air plant.
• Monitor Behavior– Pay close attention to how your pet reacts when exposed to an air plant and remove it immediately if any signs of distress occur.

Safe Plant Species

When choosing an appropriate species for inclusion in a bearded dragon enclosure, look for ones labeled as “non-toxic” or “safe for reptiles”. Some examples include Tillandsia usneoides (Spanish moss), Selaginella martensii (resurrection fern) and Pteris cretica (brake fern).

What Houseplants Are Toxic To Bearded Dragons?

Bearded dragons are a popular pet reptile, but not all houseplants are safe for them. Many types of plants can be toxic to bearded dragons if ingested and should be avoided. The following list contains some of the most common houseplants that are toxic to bearded dragons:

• Lilies – Lilies contain oxalates, which can damage the kidneys and cause kidney failure in reptiles. All members of the lily family, including Peace Lilies, Calla Lilies, Tiger Lilies, Daylilies, and Peruvian Lillies should be kept away from bearded dragons.
• Philodendrons – Philodendrons contain insoluble calcium oxalates that can irritate the mouth and digestive tract if eaten by a bearded dragon. Ingesting philodendrons can also lead to vomiting or diarrhea as well as other more serious symptoms such as difficulty breathing or paralysis.
• Aloe Vera – Aloe vera contains saponins which are known to have an irritating effect on many animals’ digestive systems when ingested in large amounts. Bearded dragons may experience vomiting or diarrhea after eating aloe vera leaves so it is best to keep them away from this plant altogether.

It is important to remember that these plants may vary in toxicity depending on their species and age so it is always best practice to research any plant before introducing it into your home with a bearded dragon nearby. Additionally, there may be other houseplants that could potentially harm your beardie so make sure you double check any new additions before bringing them into your home!

What Kind Of Live Plants Can I Put In My Bearded Dragon Tank?

When selecting live plants for your bearded dragon tank, it is important to select species that are safe for reptiles. Some of the best live plants for a bearded dragon tank include:

Spider Plants: Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are an excellent choice for a bearded dragon tank. They are easy to care for and low-maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and indirect sunlight. The leaves of the spider plant provide a great hiding spot for your bearded dragon, as well as some texture variety in their enclosure. Additionally, they help improve air quality by absorbing toxins from the environment.

Pothos: Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is another good option when choosing live plants for your bearded dragon’s tank. It requires minimal maintenance and can be grown both indoors or outdoors. Its trailing vines make it an ideal choice if you want to create height variation in your terrarium setup. The pothos also helps cleanse the air by reducing airborne bacteria and other pollutants in its environment.

It is important to remember that all live plants must be thoroughly washed before being placed inside the terrarium to remove any chemical residue or dirt that may have accumulated on them during transport or handling. In addition, always check with your veterinarian first before introducing new plants into your reptile’s habitat since some species may contain toxic substances that could harm them if ingested accidentally.

Can I Put Live Plants In With My Bearded Dragon?

Yes, you can put live plants in with your bearded dragon. Live plants can provide a great environment for your pet and help keep its habitat clean. However, it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with housing live plants around reptiles, as some types of plants may be toxic to them.

When selecting a plant to place in your bearded dragon’s enclosure, make sure that it is safe and non-toxic. Some popular options include pothos, spider plants, bromeliads, peace lilies, aloe vera and orchids. Do not use any kind of fertilizer on the plants as this could potentially poison the reptile if ingested. Also ensure that the soil used is free from pesticides or other chemicals which could harm your pet if ingested.

Bearded dragons are curious creatures and might chew on the leaves of their new plant friends; so keep an eye out for signs of distress such as vomiting or changes in appetite/behavior after introducing them into the tank. If you notice any abnormalities immediately remove the plant from their environment and seek veterinary advice if necessary.

Can You Put Succulents In A Bearded Dragon Cage?

Yes, you can put succulents in a bearded dragon cage as long as the succulent is non-toxic and safe for reptiles. Succulents are a great way to add some natural beauty to your reptile’s enclosure while also helping to provide an extra bit of humidity.

Bearded dragons do best with temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure that the succulent you choose will be able to withstand these conditions without wilting or dying. Additionally, some plants may need more water than others, so it’s important to research which type of succulent would work best in your particular environment before introducing them into the cage.

Choose hardy plants that are drought tolerant and can withstand bright light; this will help ensure they thrive in the environment provided for your bearded dragon.

You should also make sure that any soil used contains no additives such as fertilizers or pesticides, since these could seriously harm your pet if ingested. When placing the succulents inside the cage, try not to overcrowd them too much, leaving enough space between each plant for air circulation and safety purposes—you don’t want your dragon accidentally ingesting any pieces of foliage!

Finally, when setting up the enclosure for success with live plants, always keep an eye out for signs of stress or health problems related to temperature regulations and other environmental factors associated with living plants within a reptile habitat.

What Should You Not Put In A Bearded Dragon Tank?

Bearded dragons are a popular choice for many pet owners, but they require special care and attention in order to remain healthy. It is important to understand what should not be put into their tank so that you can ensure your pet’s safety.

The first thing that should never go into a bearded dragon tank is any kind of substrate. Substrates such as sand or gravel can cause impaction when ingested by the dragon which can be fatal. Instead, opt for paper towels or reptile carpeting if desired. Be sure to change these out on a regular basis in order to prevent the growth of bacteria and other contaminants.

In addition, it is important to avoid putting anything else inside the tank that could potentially harm your bearded dragon. This includes sharp items such as rocks or branches which may scratch them while they are exploring their environment.

Small plastic toys and decorations could also pose an ingestion risk if swallowed, so be sure to keep these items outside of the enclosure at all times. Also, avoid using any type of chemical cleaners near your bearded dragon’s habitat as this could prove toxic if inhaled or ingested accidentally by your pet reptile.

By understanding what should not be placed in a bearded dragon’s tank, you can create an environment that provides optimal health and safety for your beloved pet!

Conclusion

Overall, it is clear that air plants can be a great addition to any bearded dragon’s terrarium. Not only do they look aesthetically pleasing and provide an interesting environment for the animal to explore, but they are also safe and non-toxic. Bearded dragons may not necessarily eat them as part of their diet, but they will enjoy exploring around them and utilizing them in their habitat.

It is important to remember that although air plants are generally safe for use with bearded dragons, it’s always best to ensure you research each plant variety beforehand and check with your veterinarian if you have any concerns or questions about safety.