9 Greatest Plants for Iguana Habitats (Vet-Reviewed Info, Pictures, & Facts)

VET APPROVED

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Luqman Javed

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Iguanas (of the genus Iguana) are one of the most popular reptile species of exotic pets. When people refer to an iguana, they almost always refer to the green iguana (Iguana iguana). Despite the name, the green iguana can be found in many different color variations in the pet trade. An arboreal (tree-dwelling) herbivorous lizard, a green iguana would definitely benefit from the inclusion of plants in their enclosure.

However, picking and choosing the safe plants for your iguana can be challenging, as some plants are toxic for iguanas. As such, we’ve created a list of several plants you can add to your reptile’s habitat safely. For each entry, we’ll tell you a little about the plant and provide you with a picture so you can see what it looks like and determine if it’s right for your pet.

The 9 Greatest Plants for Iguana Habitats

1. Dandelions (Taraxacum)

Dandelions are by far one of the best plants you could safely incorporate into your iguana’s habitat. Coincidentally, they are also a great food source for your pet and a favorite among iguanas. All species of this genus are safe for iguanas, and all parts of the plant (stem, leaves, flowers) are safe for them to consume.

The potential downside to adding dandelions to your iguana’s habitat is that they may not last long (as your pet might eat them). Though not a major concern, this is something that you’d have to factor into your decision if you do not wish to repeatedly place new plants into your pet’s enclosure. An alternative is to plant them in the enclosure, but at a place that your pet cannot easily access.

2. Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

This flowering plant is know as Devil’s Ivy because it is extremely difficult to kill and will even stay green in the dark. It does well in dry environments and is very leafy, so it will provide plenty of food if your iguana starts to chew on it.

Devil’s ivy is toxic to dogs and cats.¹ It is also considered mildly toxic to humans (if consumed in excess). As such, the drawback to this plant is that if you have other pets, it might not be the safest addition to your house.

3. Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)

Given how an iguana may easily attain a body length of around 1.7 m (5.6 ft), it is worth keeping in mind that at some point you’d have to invest in some very large plants for your pet. This is where the Joshua tree comes in. It is one of the best trees you could consider for your iguana’s habitat.

The main appeal of this tree is the rate at which it grows. Joshua trees grow at an average rate of 7.6 cm (3.0 in) per year in their first 10 years, then at around 3.8 cm (1.5 in) per year. This makes them a great choice for a fast-growing tree.

4. Viburnum

Another tree you could consider for your iguana is a plant of the Viburnum genus. Most trees in this genus are evergreen and are sturdy enough to easily support the weight of a fully-grown iguana.

They are also very dense, providing your pet with cover and shade. Their leaves, flowers, and berries are also safe for iguanas.

5. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Up until 2017, this plant was referred to as Sansevieria trifasciata. However, more recent findings have placed the two plants as different species. This plant is from West Africa and forms dense stands of dark green leaves standing 2 to 3 feet tall. It’s extremely hardy and can withstand dry conditions, making it perfect for a rock iguana tank.

This plant can create a good hide for your pet, but most iguanas will find it too tough to eat.

6. China Rose (Hibiscus × rosa-sinensis)

The official name of the China rose is Hibiscus rosa-sinensis. This plant is highly ornamental and will improve the appearance of any habitat. It can stand up to 16 feet tall with bright red flowers that last from summer to fall.

It can be challenging to make bloom indoors without the proper light, but the flowers are a favorite food of the iguana, and it will be worth the effort to obtain some.

7. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)

Nephrolepis exaltata is a low-lying evergreen that is quite common in Florida. It’s a popular houseplant and is easy to find in most nurseries around the United States. It’s non-toxic to humans and pets and is well suited to tropical green iguana habitats.

It survives in low light and creates a natural hide, but it can be quite bushy, robbing the terrarium of space.

8. Elkhorn Fern (Platycerium)

These ferns are rainforest plants that come from South America, Africa, Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Guinea. They are considered a great addition to the green iguana habitat. They’re a common houseplant that shouldn’t be hard to find at your local nursery.

9. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)

This large plant can grow up to 20 feet tall and may occasionally produce white flowers. It’s one of the more common plants to find in the tropical environments of the green iguana and other reptile species.

It’s a climbing vine, so it’s easy to convince it to grow in many different ways that wouldn’t be possible with other plants.

Plants That Aren’t Safe For Iguanas

Though many plants are safe for iguanas, you would want to steer clear of certain plants. Below is a list of such plants. Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive. As such, we strongly advise researching any plant you plan to integrate into your iguana’s habitat.

In addition, though many fruit trees are safe for iguanas, their fruits can sometimes be problematic for them. Examples of such plants include the apple, apricot, peach, and pear trees.

Final Thoughts

We hope you have enjoyed reading over this list and found a few plants you would like to try out in your terrarium. There are more options to consider (depending on the size of your pet’s enclosure and your expertise with plant care).

However, it’s always best to thoroughly research any plant you wish to incorporate into your pet’s enclosure. After all, you wouldn’t want them to ingest something that is toxic to them!

Featured Image Credit: Pickpik