One of the biggest decisions you will make when you get a turtle take is deciding how to decorate it. While there are certainly plenty of ornaments and decorations you can add, it is always best to add a natural touch to your tank.
One of the best ways to naturally decorate your turtle tank is with plants. While plants give your tank a great aesthetic look, it also helps a turtle adjust to their new environment. Best of all, there are even some plants that be a supplement to your turtle’s diet.
The first decision you have to make is whether you want aquatic or land plants. While there are certainly great choices for aquatic plants, there are some advantages to choosing land plants.
Why I prefer land plants for turtles
For starters, land plants are much easier to grow in a turtle tank. You can set them near your UV light, and they are almost certain to grow. On the other hand, aquatic plants take much longer to settle their roots underwater.
Additionally, water plants can easily get contaminated by the water. For example, they might suddenly die if your water collects to much calcium or magnesium. Additionally, aquatic plants can cause the water in your fish tank to turn a murky, green color. This can sometimes cause moss to grown on your turtle.
Lastly, aquatic plants can cause clogs inside your turtle tank filter when the leaves fall off. Land plants are much easier to care for because you can simply remove the dead leaves when they fall to the ground.
Land Plants Safe for Turtles
The best land plants that are safe for turtles are spider plants, aloe, bermuda, and succulent plants.
Below is a list of some of the best land plants safe for turtles:
- Aloe
- Bermuda
- Alfalfa
- Black Mustard
- Bluegrass
- Buckwheat
- Clover
- Crabgrass
- Dahlia
- Dandelion
- Dichondra
- Lavender
- Plantains
- Pothos
- Rosemary
- Rye
- Spider
- Succulent
- Willow
While your turtle will likely only eat a couple of these plants, they are all completely safe for your turtle tank. If your turtle does consume any of these plants, it will safely pass through their digestive system.
Now that you know some safe land plants for turtles, it is equally important to know the plants that should never be put in a turtle tank.
What plants are toxic to turtles?
Below is a list of some popular plants that are toxic to turtles:
- Boston Ivy
- Crocus
- Umbrella Tree
- Aspargus Fern
- Avocado
- Boxwood Plant
- Buttercup
- Daffodil
- Juniper
- Periwinkle
- Rhubarb
Can I put plants from outside in my turtle tank?
You can put plants form outside into your turtle tank, but you must be very careful. You must carefully observe the plant to make sure there are no parasites on it. I would recommend running the plant through warm water before putting it into your tank.
You should also make sure that the plant you take is not in an area that has been recently fertilized. Fertilizer can be fatal if consumed by your turtle.
The safest best is to buy your plant from a pet store or from a local garden.
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