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 its 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 15 Best Plants for Tortoise Habitats
Tropical Hibiscus Image Credit: billyghawaii, Pixabay 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.
Aloe
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A post shared by Tortoise Mom (@tortoisemomvilma)
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.
- Geranium
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A post shared by mini garden (@dasom_mini_garden)
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.
See also: What Do Tortoises Eat in the Wild and as Pets?
- Lemon Balm
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A post shared by 𝑬𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒆 (@ericasladexo)
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!
- Plaintain
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kenzie Lima (@kenzielima)
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.
- Grapes
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rosie Davies (@ifeltrosie)
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 2021)
- Spineless Prickly Pear Cactus
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A post shared by David’s Jungle 🐢🐊🦎 (@davidsjungle)
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.
- Bermuda grass
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Richard Crowley (@rich.crowley.reptiles)
This grass is good for your animals, but be careful because it is invasive and can be difficult to control.
- Dandelions
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🍀🌿 🌱𝓟𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓾 🐢🍃🌵 (@1.1.pingu)
This plant can be a valuable source of food for your tortoise all year long. Both the leaves and the flower of the dandelion can be consumed by your pet.
- Osteospernum
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ChenClanTortoiseFred (@chenclantortoisefred)
The osteospernum is a beautiful addition to any enclosure. They last through summer and into autumn. Their flowers and leaves are both safe to consume.
- Jade plants
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 你們好啊🌞 (@xiaocube)
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.
- Pansies
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Torta La Tortuga 🐢 (@tortalatortuga_)
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.
- Hebe
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ali Lowndes-Butler (@alilowndesbutler)
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.
- Nasturtium
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Danielle Christine White (@carapacecritters)
These flower from summer into autumn and provide nutritious leaves and flowers for your tortoise to eat.
- Clover
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Napoleone and Cuccio (@napoleoneandcuccioturtles)
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.
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. See Also: 6 DIY Tortoise Table Plans You Can Make Today
Featured Image Credit by: Pabliyo, Pixabay
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 its 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 15 Best 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
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tortoise Mom (@tortoisemomvilma)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Tortoise Mom (@tortoisemomvilma)
A post shared by Tortoise Mom (@tortoisemomvilma)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
3. Geranium
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by mini garden (@dasom_mini_garden)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by mini garden (@dasom_mini_garden)
A post shared by mini garden (@dasom_mini_garden)
- See also: What Do Tortoises Eat in the Wild and as Pets?
4. Lemon Balm
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝑬𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒆 (@ericasladexo)
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!
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 𝑬𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒆 (@ericasladexo)
A post shared by 𝑬𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒂 𝑬𝒍𝒊𝒛𝒂𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒉 𝑺𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒆 (@ericasladexo)
5. Plaintain
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kenzie Lima (@kenzielima)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Kenzie Lima (@kenzielima)
A post shared by Kenzie Lima (@kenzielima)
6. Grapes
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rosie Davies (@ifeltrosie)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Rosie Davies (@ifeltrosie)
A post shared by Rosie Davies (@ifeltrosie)
- You may also like: How to Take Care of a Pet Tortoise (Care Sheet & Guide 2021)
7. Spineless Prickly Pear Cactus
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by David’s Jungle 🐢🐊🦎 (@davidsjungle)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by David’s Jungle 🐢🐊🦎 (@davidsjungle)
A post shared by David’s Jungle 🐢🐊🦎 (@davidsjungle)
8. Bermuda grass
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Richard Crowley (@rich.crowley.reptiles)
This grass is good for your animals, but be careful because it is invasive and can be difficult to control.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Richard Crowley (@rich.crowley.reptiles)
A post shared by Richard Crowley (@rich.crowley.reptiles)
9. Dandelions
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🍀🌿 🌱𝓟𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓾 🐢🍃🌵 (@1.1.pingu)
This plant can be a valuable source of food for your tortoise all year long. Both the leaves and the flower of the dandelion can be consumed by your pet.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 🍀🌿 🌱𝓟𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓾 🐢🍃🌵 (@1.1.pingu)
A post shared by 🍀🌿 🌱𝓟𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓾 🐢🍃🌵 (@1.1.pingu)
10. Osteospernum
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ChenClanTortoiseFred (@chenclantortoisefred)
The osteospernum is a beautiful addition to any enclosure. They last through summer and into autumn. Their flowers and leaves are both safe to consume.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by ChenClanTortoiseFred (@chenclantortoisefred)
A post shared by ChenClanTortoiseFred (@chenclantortoisefred)
11. Jade plants
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 你們好啊🌞 (@xiaocube)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by 你們好啊🌞 (@xiaocube)
A post shared by 你們好啊🌞 (@xiaocube)
12. Pansies
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Torta La Tortuga 🐢 (@tortalatortuga_)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Torta La Tortuga 🐢 (@tortalatortuga_)
A post shared by Torta La Tortuga 🐢 (@tortalatortuga_)
13. Hebe
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ali Lowndes-Butler (@alilowndesbutler)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Ali Lowndes-Butler (@alilowndesbutler)
A post shared by Ali Lowndes-Butler (@alilowndesbutler)
14. Nasturtium
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Danielle Christine White (@carapacecritters)
These flower from summer into autumn and provide nutritious leaves and flowers for your tortoise to eat.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Danielle Christine White (@carapacecritters)
A post shared by Danielle Christine White (@carapacecritters)
15. Clover
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Napoleone and Cuccio (@napoleoneandcuccioturtles)
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.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Napoleone and Cuccio (@napoleoneandcuccioturtles)
A post shared by Napoleone and Cuccio (@napoleoneandcuccioturtles)
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.
See Also: 6 DIY Tortoise Table Plans You Can Make Today
Featured Image Credit by: Pabliyo, Pixabay
