A healthy habitat for your hermit crab begins with choosing the right plants. Hermit crab safe plants play a vital role in providing food, shelter, and humidity control. By choosing these plants correctly, you’ll be building a secure and cozy habitat for your crab to thrive.
In this article, I’ll guide you through the best choices, from safe plants for hermit crab tank and to help build a secure and enriching environment for your pet.
What Plants Are Safe for Hermit Crabs?
The major criteria for determining a plant as safe for hermit crabs include its non-toxicity, compatibility with the tank environment, and how it will help your pet. A safe plant should be free of toxic substances or pesticides that would be dangerous to your hermit crab if ingested.
Hermit Crab Safe Plant List
Here’s an list of plants safe for hermit crabs, categorized by type to make it easy to choose the best for their environment:
| Plant Type | Plant Name | Description |
| Foliage Plants | Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Hardy, it is non-toxic and great for providing shelter with its long, arching leaves. |
| Bamboo (Bambusoideae) | Thrives in humid environments, purifies air, and provides a natural look. | |
| Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) | Safe, nutritious, and can be planted to add both beauty and food sources. | |
| Flowers | Marigolds (Tagetes spp.) | Adds vibrant color to the habitat while being safe for hermit crabs. |
| Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) | Beautiful and non-toxic, its petals can also serve as a food source for crabs. | |
| Vines | Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Easy to care for, provides climbing space, and enhances the tank’s natural feel. |
| Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia) | Fast-growing vines that offer shelter and create a more natural habitat. |
Top 10 Best Plants for Hermit Crabs
Below is a list of the top 10 best hermit crab safe plants to include in your hermit crab tank. Each with their own unique benefits to both your pet’s well-being and the tank environment.
Best Live Plants for Hermit Crab Tank
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a favorite and safe plant for hermit crabs. It thrives in humid environments, so it is wonderful to utilize in tank designs. Its robust vines and heart-shaped leaves offer excellent climbing room and shelter for your crabs.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Are spider plants safe for hermit crabs? Yes! Spider plants are non-toxic and safe for hermit crabs. Their arched leaves and tiny “babies” (plantlets) make an excellent natural environment, shelter and aesthetic!
Succulents
Most of the time, hermit crab pet owners ask “are succulents safe for hermit crabs?” The answer is yes. They are generally safe for hermit crabs, but not all species are appropriate to maintain. Certain succulents, like jade or aloe, are safe, whereas others contain toxic compounds.
Bamboo (Bambusa spp.)
Bamboo is an excellent option for a hermit crab tank, as it thrives in the humidity and will provide your crabs with natural climbing space. The hollow bamboo stems are also perfect for hiding and sheltering your crabs.
Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
Hibiscus flowers are safe for hermit crabs and are a lovely ornament to the aquarium. The flowers are a potential food source and the shape of the plant provides shelter for your crabs.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe vera is not only harmless to hermit crabs but can also be used to give medicinal relief in the event of minor injury or shell damage. The gel present inside its leaves can be useful during emergencies.
Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum)
Wheatgrass makes a good selection for hermit crabs, providing a secure, natural food source and enhancing the aesthetic of the habitat. It is easily grown in small trays within the tank.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Lemon balm is safe, non-toxic, and can be eaten by hermit crabs. It has a citrus smell that adds a freshening note to the tank and can be used to repel pests.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is yet another hermit crab safe plants and is a tasty snack as well. It is easy to grow and provides a nice natural fragrance that can benefit the tank environment.
Ferns (Various species)
Ferns make an excellent choice for cover as well as for humidity control. There are several species, such as the Boston fern, which are hermit crab-safe and thrive in humid conditions.
Also Read More: Saltwater Hermit Crab Care
Hermit Crab Friendly Plants and What They Serve in the Tank
Do you ever wonder why plants are important in hermit crab habitats? Plants do far more than merely provide ambience. They offer places of cover, climbing sites, and natural spaces for crabs to crawl away to and become comfortable with. These various textures and growth patterns simulate the habitats of indigenous origins for these crabs and enhance their burrowing and climbing natures.
What Plants Can Hermit Crabs Eat?
Hermit crabs are omnivorous and like to have a mixed diet of both plant food and animal-based food. The following is a list of healthy and safe plants that hermit crabs can consume:
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum): A rich source of nutrients that hermit crabs love, and they can be easily cultivated in their tank.
- Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale): Dandelion leaves and flowers are packed with vitamins and can be used as a nutritious snack for hermit crabs.
- Clover (Trifolium spp.): Clover is a nutritious, safe choice that is rich in needed nutrients.
- Lettuce (Lactuca sativa): Organic lettuce supplies hermit crabs with moisture and a crunchy snack.
- Mint (Mentha spp.): Mint is safe for hermit crabs to be around and leaves a nice odor in the environment.
Note For Crab Pet Owners: If you’re looking for a fascinating and low-maintenance pet, a soldier crab pet might be the perfect choice!
Fake Plants for Hermit Crabs
Are fake plants safe for hermit crabs? Yes, these plants that are safe for hermit crabs, as long as they are made of non-toxic materials. They add a visual attraction, increasing the visual stimulation of the aquarium, and additional places for the hermit crabs to hide. Just do not use plants with cut edges or chemicals that will poison your hermit crabs.
Best Fake Plants for Hermit Crab Tank
Some excellent artificial plant choices are silk plants, plastic ferns, and moss mats. They replicate real plants without the upkeep, providing hiding places and climbing structures. Select smooth, well-made plants that won’t hurt your crabs and arrange them in a creative way to improve their habitat.
How to Choose the Right Live Plants for Hermit Crab Habitat?
In choosing safe live plants for hermit crabs tank, pick those that will do well under the conditions of the tank. Take into consideration proper lighting, humidity, and non-toxicity. The plants must be safe for crabs to climb on and perhaps chew and also benefit the tank overall by assisting in humidity.
Creating a Natural Look with Hermit Crab Terrarium Plants
Having a natural look for your hermit crab terrarium is having the appropriate plants to mimic their natural habitat. Here’s how to achieve it:
- Choose Live Plants: Opt for non-toxic plants like pothos, spider plants, and hibiscus.
- Add Climbing Structures: Add plants like vines to aid in climbing and exploration.
- Layered Layout: Combine tall and short-growing plants to create a vibrant look.
- Humidity Considerations: Give the plants the best level of moisture and light.
- Natural Shelter: Provide hiding spots and promote natural behavior with your choice of plant.
Also Read More: What type of wood is ok for hermit crabs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pothos Plants Toxic to Hermit Crabs?
No, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is not toxic to hermit crabs. It is among the safest and most permissible plant types for terrariums, as it provides both cosmetic and functional value.
Can You Put Succulents in with Hermit Crabs?
Although there are succulents that can be safe for hermit crabs, non-toxic varieties must be selected. Some of the examples are Echeveria and Aloe vera, but most succulents consist of materials that will cause poisoning if eaten.
What Flowers Can Hermit Crabs Have?
Hermit crabs can enjoy safely, hibiscus, and dandelions, adding color and nutrients, provided they are free of pesticides.
