Pet tortoises are popular pets and can live anywhere from 50-100 years if you properly take care of them. An incredibly important aspect of owning a pet tortoise is their diet. They need the appropriate amount of greens, as well as other nutrients for them to stay happy and healthy.
Providing an interesting and diverse range of greens can be difficult. One way to provide this need for your turtle is to grow the plants yourself! This can be a rewarding experience for you and your family as you take the time to grow the plants and have the bonus of seeing your tortoise enjoy your hard work. Of course, you’ll want to consult with your veterinarian before placing anything your tortoise might eat inside their tank to ensure it is safe. A safe and healthy green to some species of tortoise might be toxic to another.
See below for some great options to consider for your tortoise’s habitat!
The 14 Greatest Plants for Tortoise Habitats
1. Tropical Hibiscus
These flowering shrubs are an excellent choice for a tortoise’s enclosure. Their flowers and leaves both provide nutrients to your tortoise and their shade can give your tortoise a nice place to lounge on a sunny day.
2. Aloe
This succulent will enrich your tortoise’s environment as well as make it nice to look at. Tortoises can become dehydrated, and this plant is dense with hydration. Your tortoise will eat an aloe leaf if it is cut and offered to them and they will appreciate and enjoy this juicy treat, but only offer it in moderation.
3. Geranium
This plant is a perennial, meaning they can live for three or more growing seasons, so you will get a lot out of them. Tortoises can eat both the leaves and the flowers of this pretty plant.
4. Lemon Balm
These pleasant-smelling plants are full of vitamins that are beneficial to your tortoise. As a bonus, you can even steal a few leaves for yourself to cook with! However, only offer it as a very rare, special treat, as too much isn’t good for your tortie.
5. Plaintain
Plaintains can be great for both grazing and for your tortoises to hide underneath. Their large leaves are full of fiber and great for your tortoise’s digestive system.
6. Grapes
The vines from the grape plant will provide shade to your tortoise as well as a delicious snack. Both the grapes and the leaves are a great addition to a tortoise’s diet.
- You may also like: How to Take Care of a Pet Tortoise (Care Sheet & Guide)
7. Spineless Prickly Pear Cactus
Like aloe, this is a great source of hydration for your tortoise. Be sure to use only the spineless variety, though, as the spines could injure your pet.
8. Bermuda grass
This grass is good for your animals, but be careful because it is invasive and can be difficult to control.
9. Dandelions
This plant can be a valuable source of food (as part of a varied diet) for your tortoise all year long. Both the leaves and the flower of the dandelion can be consumed by your pet.
10. Jade plants
This plant will provide a place to hide for your tortoise as well as being edible. Consider adding this succulent to your tortoise’s enclosure.
11. Pansies
These flower in the autumn and winter and will add some color to your tortoise’s enclosure. Your turtle will enjoy munching on the leaves and flowers of this colorful plant.
12. Hebe
This plant will produce a lot of flowers and leaves if taken care of properly. It can be a great addition to a tortoise’s diet.
13. Nasturtium
These flower from summer into autumn and provide nutritious leaves and flowers for your tortoise to eat.
14. Clover
This easy-to-grow plant will help make your tortoise’s enclosure easy to manage. They are high in protein and a great snack for your tortoise.
Conclusion
Be sure with whatever plant you choose for your tortoise that you take an all-natural, organic approach to growing them. Do not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers as these can harm your tortoise. Have fun in choosing a variety of colorful and vibrant green plants to spruce up your tortoise’s enclosure and provide important enrichment for them.
- Related Read: 6 DIY Tortoise Table Plans You Can Make Today
Featured Image Credit: Pabliyo, Pixabay
