Reptiles and Plants

Welcome to the heart of reptile care! Whether you're just getting started or already have years of experience, this guide gives you a quick look at the basic needs of some of the most popular species kept by our members. You'll find temperature and humidity ranges, dietary tips, and plants that thrive in similar conditions — perfect for creating safe, naturalistic setups.

Beginner Reptiles

Leopard Gecko (Arid)

Adult Size: 20–25 cm

Enclosure Size: 75–90 cm long tank

Temp (°C): 28–32 warm side / 24 cool

Humidity: 30–40%

Diet: Insects (crickets, mealworms, BSFL)

Lifespan: 10–20 yrs

Crested Gecko (Tropical)

Adult Size: 18–23 cm

Enclosure Size: 45 × 45 × 60 cm tall

Temp (°C): 24–27 day / 21 night

Humidity: 60–80%

Diet: Commercial CGD, fruit, small insects

Lifespan: 15–20 yrs

Western Hognose Snake (Semi-Arid)

Adult Size: 40–60 cm

Enclosure Size: 75–90 cm long

Temp (°C): 27–32 warm side / 23 cool

Humidity: 30–50%

Diet: Frozen-thawed mice

Lifespan: 12–18 yrs

Intermediate/Advance Reptiles

a close up of a juvenile Boa Constrictor

Boa Constrictor (B. imperator) (Tropical)

Adult Size: 2–3 m

Enclosure Size: 180 × 90 × 60 cm

Temp (°C): 30–33 warm / 25 cool

Humidity: 60–70%

Diet: Appropriately sized rodents

Lifespan: 20–30 yrs

Chinese Water Dragon (Tropical Humid)

Adult Size: 80–100 cm

Enclosure Size: 180 × 90 × 150 cm tall

Temp (°C): 29–32 bask / 25 ambient

Humidity: 70–80%

Diet: Insects, snails, greens, occasional fish

Lifespan: 10–15 yrs

Monitor (Ackie / Savannah) (Arid Semi-Arid)

Adult Size: 60–100 cm

Enclosure Size: 180 × 90 × 60 cm min

Temp (°C): 40–50 bask / 26 ambient

Humidity: 30–50%

Diet: Insects, snails, eggs, occasional meat

Lifespan: 10–15 yrs

Easy Plants by Environment

Arid / Semi-Arid

Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant)
Aloe vera
Haworthia fasciata (Zebra Plant)

Care: Arid plants like snake plants, aloe, and haworthia thrive in dry, bright conditions similar to desert habitats. Use a well-draining sandy soil and avoid overwatering — let the top layer fully dry before watering again. These plants love indirect sunlight or gentle basking-area spill light, but too much moisture or poor airflow can cause rot. Perfect for enclosures with leopard geckos, hognose snakes, or monitors.

Tropical / Humid

Epipremnum aureum (Pothos)
Philodendron hederaceum (Heart-leaf Philodendron)
Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern)

Care: Tropical plants such as pothos, philodendrons, and ferns flourish in warm, moist environments that mimic jungle canopies. Keep humidity between 60–80%, and mist regularly to maintain lush leaves. They prefer moderate, filtered light rather than direct heat, and their roots enjoy rich, moist soil with good drainage. Ideal for cresteds, boas, or water dragons who love climbing through foliage.

Semi-Tropical / Mixed Bioactive

Peperomia obtusifolia (Baby Rubber Plant)
Tradescantia zebrina (Wandering Dude)
Fittonia albivenis (Nerve Plant)

Care: Semi-tropical plants like peperomia, tradescantia, and fittonia enjoy the balance of humidity and airflow — not too dry, not too wet. Water them lightly when the surface soil starts to dry out, and keep temperatures around 24–28°C with moderate humidity (50–60%). These adaptable species do well in shared habitats with both tropical and semi-arid pets. They add texture, color, and natural enrichment while staying low-maintenance.