12 Great Plants for Snake Habitats (with Pictures)

Creating a habitat for your pet snake that is both natural and functional is essential for its health and well-being. Incorporating plants into the enclosure not only makes it more visually appealing but also provides snakes with hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and an environment closer to their natural habitat. In this guide, we’ll explore 12 great plants for snake habitats, each carefully chosen to ensure they’re safe, low-maintenance, and beneficial for your scaly friend.

Why Include Plants in Snake Habitats?

Adding plants to snake enclosures goes beyond aesthetics. Here are some key benefits:

Provides Shelter: Snakes often seek out shaded areas to hide and feel secure. Plants mimic their natural environment and reduce stress.
Enhances Humidity: Many snake species require high humidity levels, and live plants help maintain optimal moisture.
Improves Air Quality: Plants can absorb toxins and produce oxygen, creating a healthier environment for your snake.
Encourages Natural Behaviors: Climbing plants can stimulate physical activity, and ground cover provides opportunities for hiding and burrowing.

Important Considerations for Choosing Plants

When selecting plants for your snake’s habitat, keep the following factors in mind:

Non-Toxicity: Ensure the plants are safe if your snake accidentally ingests or rubs against them.
Low Maintenance: Reptile habitats can be challenging environments for plants, so choose hardy species that can thrive under minimal care.
Compatibility with Snake Needs: Depending on your snake’s species, choose plants that match its temperature, humidity, and climbing preferences.
Lighting: Many plants need UV light, but it’s important to balance this with your snake’s lighting requirements.

12 Great Plants for Snake Habitats

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Why It’s Great: Pothos is one of the most popular plants for snake habitats. It’s hardy, tolerates low light, and thrives in high-humidity environments, making it ideal for tropical snakes.
Care Tips: Water once the soil is dry to the touch and prune occasionally to prevent overgrowth.
Special Note: Its trailing vines create excellent hiding spots for snakes.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.)

Why It’s Great: Snake plants are almost indestructible and can thrive in various conditions. Their upright leaves offer unique texture and climbing opportunities for smaller snakes.
Care Tips: Requires infrequent watering and can survive in both bright and low-light conditions.
Special Note: Despite its name, it’s a plant safe for snake enclosures!

3. Bromeliads

Why It’s Great: Bromeliads are visually striking and ideal for tropical snake habitats due to their love for humidity. They can store water in their rosettes, adding a natural water source for small reptiles or insects.
Care Tips: Provide bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil.
Special Note: Attach bromeliads to wood or logs for a naturalistic look.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Why It’s Great: Known for its long, arching leaves, the spider plant is perfect for snakes that enjoy slithering through vegetation. It’s non-toxic and thrives in most environments.
Care Tips: Water regularly and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
Special Note: Spider plants are excellent for boosting enclosure humidity.

5. Ficus (Weeping Fig)

Why It’s Great: Ficus trees add height and greenery, making them perfect for arboreal snake species like green tree pythons.
Care Tips: Requires bright, indirect light and consistent watering. Prune to maintain size.
Special Note: Their strong branches can support smaller snakes.

6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Why It’s Great: Boston ferns thrive in high-humidity environments and are perfect for adding lush greenery to tropical snake enclosures.
Care Tips: Keep the soil moist and mist the plant regularly to maintain humidity.
Special Note: The dense foliage offers excellent hiding spots for shy snakes.

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Why It’s Great: Peace lilies are stunning plants with broad leaves that provide shade and hiding areas for ground-dwelling snakes.
Care Tips: Water consistently and keep the soil slightly moist. It thrives in moderate to low light.
Special Note: While safe for snake enclosures, peace lilies are toxic to some pets like cats and dogs.

8. Dracaena

Why It’s Great: Dracaenas come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different snake enclosures. Their long, arching leaves add a dramatic touch.
Care Tips: Prefers indirect light and moderate watering.
Special Note: Dracaena species like the corn plant or dragon tree are great for medium-sized enclosures.

9. Calathea

Why It’s Great: Calatheas are prized for their vibrant, patterned leaves and thrive in humid, shaded environments. Perfect for tropical snake species.
Care Tips: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Mist regularly.
Special Note: Their bold colors can make the enclosure more attractive.

10. Ivy (Hedera helix)

Why It’s Great: Ivy is a fast-growing plant that provides excellent cover and climbing opportunities for snakes.
Care Tips: Ensure proper drainage and trim regularly to control growth.
Special Note: Works well as a ground cover or for vertical spaces.

11. Philodendron

Why It’s Great: Like pothos, philodendrons are hardy and easy to grow. They thrive in warm, humid environments, making them a staple in reptile habitats.
Care Tips: Allow the soil to dry slightly between watering.
Special Note: Their large, heart-shaped leaves are perfect for shading and aesthetics.

12. Moss (Java Moss or Sheet Moss)

Why It’s Great: Moss is ideal for creating a soft, natural substrate and helps retain moisture, which is crucial for species requiring high humidity.
Care Tips: Mist regularly and avoid letting it dry out completely.
Special Note: Great for covering hides, logs, or rocks.

Plant Care Tips for Snake Habitats

Quarantine New Plants: Before adding plants to the enclosure, quarantine them for 2–4 weeks to avoid introducing pests or contaminants.
Clean Regularly: Remove dead leaves and debris to prevent mold or fungus.
Use Safe Soil: Avoid fertilizers and pesticides. Organic, chemical-free soil is best.
Monitor Humidity: Plants can help regulate humidity, but monitor levels to ensure they meet your snake’s needs.

Artificial Plants: A Worthy Alternative

If live plants seem daunting, artificial plants are a great substitute. They require no maintenance, are immune to damage, and still provide shelter and climbing opportunities. Look for high-quality, reptile-safe options that mimic natural foliage.

Conclusion

Incorporating plants into your snake’s habitat not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also creates a more natural and enriching environment for your pet. From hardy pothos to moisture-loving ferns, these 12 great plants for snake habitats offer a variety of options for different species and enclosure types.

By choosing the right plants and maintaining them properly, you can ensure your snake enjoys a happy, healthy, and stress-free life.

Remember, whether you opt for live plants or artificial ones, the key is to make your snake’s environment safe, comfortable, and as close to nature as possible.