5 Best Plants for a Crested Gecko Bioactive Setup

Building a bioactive enclosure for your crested gecko isn't just about looks. The right plants create climbing routes, hiding spots, and humidity that mimic their natural rainforest habitat. Here are five of the best options. 

1. Pothos 

Scientific name: Epipremnum aureum  
Nicknames: Golden Pothos, Devil's Ivy, Devil's Vine, Taro Vine  
Origin: The Solomon Islands and French Polynesia (Society Islands, Mo'orea, Tahiti) 

Pothos are one of the most beginner friendly plants that you could include in your bioactive enclosure thanks to their fast growth and hardiness. Their long trailing vines also create great climbing opportunities and coverage for your gecko. The “Devil’s Ivy” nickname comes from it being nearly impossible to kill, they can stay alive in very low light conditions with minimal care. It was originally classified as Pothos aureus back in 1880, which is where the common name “pothos” came from. The name stuck around even after botanists moved it to the Epipremnum genus.   

2. Bromeliads 

Scientific name: Varies by genus, but Neoregelia and Guzmania are the most common vivarium picks
Nickname:No single nickname (it's a whole plant family), but Aechmea is often called the Urn
Origin: Rainforests of Central and South America  
 
Bromeliads add a beautiful splash of color while also creating natural hiding and resting spots. Their flower petals create a cup like structure that will collect water and can help increase humidity within an enclosure. Guzmania species come from shadier rainforest understories, which makes them well-suited to the lower light levels inside most gecko enclosures. A fun fact is that both genera of Bromeliads are epiphytic, meaning in the wild they grow on tree branches rather than soil!

3. Ferns 

Scientific name (common vivarium species): Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston Fern) 
Nicknames: Sword Fern, Ladder Fern, Fishbone Fern 
Origin: Subtropical and tropical regions of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the southern US 

Ferns thrive in very similar conditions to crested geckos. Their dense foliage provides extra coverage, making your gecko feel more secure while also creating a very lush and natural look. The genus name Nephrolepis comes from the Greek word for "kidney" and "scale," referring to the shape of the spore structures on the underside of its fronds. Fun fact, despite the name, the Boston Fern has literally nothing to do with Boston botanically. It actually started as a single "weird" plant found in a Philadelphia shipment in 1894, and every Boston Fern today is basically its clone! 

4. Dracaenas 

Scientific name: Dracaena fragrans 
Nicknames: Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dragon Tree, Striped Dracaena  
Origin: Tropical Africa, from Sudan to Mozambique and west to Côte d'Ivoire, typically at higher elevations 

Dracaenas give tropical vibes with their sturdy stems and broad leaves that geckos love to climb on or hide under. They hold up well in pretty humid bioactive environments. The "Corn Plant" nickname is specific to the Dracaena fragrans species, thanks to its resemblance to an actual corn stalk. Interestingly, the "fragrans" part of its scientific name has nothing to do with corn at all. It actually comes from the plant's fragrant flowers, which are so aromatic they're even used in the perfume industry. 

Dracaena fragrans is just one of over 200 species in the Dracaena genus, a number that grew when Sansevieria (the genus snake plants used to belong to) was folded in back in 2018. 

5. Snake Plants 

Scientific name: Dracaena trifasciata (formerly classified as Sansevieria trifasciata until 2017)  
Nicknames: Mother-in-Law's Tongue, Saint George's Sword, Viper's BowstringOrigin: Tropical West and West Central Africa, from Nigeria to the Congo 
 
Another tough and tolerate plant is the Snake Plant! Their upright leaves provide a very sturdy climbing surface while also adding height to your setup. The “trifasciata” in its scientific name refers to the three-banded pattern on its leaves. The nickname “Mother-in-Laws Tounge” goes all the way back to the Victorian-era Europe when houseplants were often given a silly name based on how they look. In this case, the sharp pointy leaves were compared to a stern, sharp-tounged mother-in-law, a joke that has stuck for over a century!  

What plants do you use in your bioactive setup? Let us know in the comments!