If you have reptile pets and home and a succulent garden–which is a wonderful combination indeed, you might also wonder whether or not those tiny plants are safe for your pets. In this article, I will share with you list of succulents that are safe to eat for your reptile pets.
One example of the pets that are getting more and more popular, especially in certain areas of the world is the bearded dragon. This calm and smooth reptile that has beard-like structures around the head, hence the name.
You should realize that bearded dragons enjoy tasting plants around them. If you have succulent plants in the house, and the dragon can reach them–which is easily the case with its versatility, the chances are high it will mistaken them for lunch :). But are your succulents safe for these reptiles? And if not all, what succulents in particular can they eat? The actual list could be longer, but I chose only a few that are common, and I am 100% sure they are safe for reptiles. Ah, and one special tip before we look at the list: If you’d like to give your bearded dragon a real treat, check this organic non GMO dried bearded dragon food on Amazon. Once you have it, I can guarantee you that your favorite reptile won’t mess up with your succulents :).
Table of Contents
Succulents that are safe to eat for Bearded Dragons
- Aeonium
- Schlumbergera
- Haworthia
- Echeveria
- X Pachyveria
- Lithops
- Sempervivum “Hens and Chicks”
- Sedum morganianum “Burro’s Tail”
Now let’s talk about each of these succulents a little bit.
Aeonium
The first succulent type is Aeonium. As you most likely know, these succulents vary in size. Some are small while others can reach up to three feet in height. Apart from size, Aeonium also comes with several vibrant colors. It is up to you which of them fits in your garden, flat, or office. The best thing about this succulent variety is that it is hardy. This means that it can tolerate full sun and freezing temperatures. Finally, it is also easy to care and propagate. And the dragon can have a bite too!
Schlumbergera
Another safe plant for bearded dragons is the schlumbergera. It is easy to care for and tolerant of environmental conditions. They are perfect for hanging pots or planters. Like aeonium, this succulent comes with many varieties. Each variety has a special blooming time, so if you combine more varieties at home, you may have beautiful flowers in your pots all year long…
Schlumbergera loves an indirect light source. Make sure that you thoroughly soak the soil anytime you water it, but only when it is already dry. Like other succulent varieties, this one hates too much water too often, and can start to rot if you overdo it with watering. And as far as my experience goes, this plant is tasty that’s why it is one of the most favorite among reptile pets.
Haworthia
If you are looking for indoor succulents, then Haworthia can be perfect for you. These succulents can thrive in low light, making them suitable for indoors conditions. There are many varieties out there, and they come in different sizes, shapes, and colors. Really a lot to pick from and enjoy back at home!
If you are placing these succulents indoors, make sure not to give them more water than they need. Haworthia grows well in indirect light which means that they need less water. They also love fast-draining soil and infrequent watering schedule, and are completely safe to eat for bearded dragons and other reptiles.
Echeveria
A popular choice amongst the gardeners all around the world, Echeveria succulents offer a variety of colors, and they are easy to care for and propagate. Best of all, there is no toxicity in them, so your reptile pats can enjoy them for dinner.
If you have an outdoor succulent garden, I strongly suggest you to try Echeveria. These plants can tolerate a lot, even neglect and full sun. That’s why you will find them also in the nature, on sunny spots on rocks, and it is not uncommon to spot a reptile nearby, who may or not taste some of its leaves…
x Pachyveria
x Pachyveria is another colorful and bearded dragons-friendly succulent. Reptile and other pets may eat them with no harm whosoever (obviously to the pets, not to the plants). This variety is actually a hybrid between Echeveria and Pachyphytum. If grown properly, they produce several colors from light green to violet.
These succulents are perfect for the outdoor garden, preferring direct sunlight. However, they are not frost-tolerant, and for winter you should take them inside.
Lithops
Lithops are weird looking succulent plants. In fact, they are also called the Living Rocks because they can easily be mistaken for a round rock. They are pretty much like round stones and have a color similar to stones.
If you are looking for a hardy succulent for your outdoor garden, then Lithops can be your perfect choice. Not only these succulents are capable of surviving under harsh August sun, they are also pet-friendly. Your bearded dragon is safe with these succulents.
Sempervivum
Sempervivum is also known as the Hens and Chicks. These non-toxic succulents offer many colors to choose from. They can surely make your garden even lovelier. But of course, they are not only good for you, but also for your bearded dragon.
What I like the most about this succulent is its ability to propagate pretty easily. You can start with one plant and it will multiply by itself as time goes by. They love indirect sunlight, so put them in a shade if you can.
Sedum morganianum
Sedum morganianum is also known as Burro’s Tail. If you have reptile pets, especially bearded dragons, at home, this succulent is another excellent choice. Extreme heat can burn this succulent though, so be careful with the placement. That sunny spot your bearded dragon loves may not be the best spot for sedum…
Final thoughts
There you go, you have my list of succulents that bearded dragons can eat. But this does not mean that your reptile pets should only rely on these plants. Although they are non-toxic and safe, they are not good for regular food sources. If you want your bearded dragon to stay healthy and live long, you should give them a more balanced diet, such as this one (* this is an affiliate link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase).
To learn more about how to grow these succulent plants, read my complete guide here.
FAQ
Q: Are succulents poisonous to reptiles?
A: It depends on the type of succulents you’re growing. But most of the succulents are non-toxic for reptiles therefore safe for them. If you are not sure about the variety of the succulent you are growing, it is always a good idea to do research about them before your reptile pets can reach them, and eventually eat them…