Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a quick plant question for ya'll. I was wondering if Dieffenbachia is a poisonous plant if ingested by my crested gecko. If so, what would be a good alternative? I remember using it in my anole vivarium years ago and they loved it! Of course, there was little concern for an anole eating the leaves, whereas i'm not so sure about my crested.

Thanks in advance !

David

Yes, it is poisonous, fatally so. Your gecko won't likely graze on it as they aren't herbivorous, but better safe than stupid I always say. I've found that Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig) works really well for cresties. The leaves are broad and more than strong enough to support their weight. One thing though, it is a member of the same genus as the rubber tree and exudes a nasty latex alkaloid concoction if you break or prune it. If this happens, leave the plant outside the enclosure until the leak stops and heals up a bit.

E