Bearded dragons have soared in popularity in recent years as captivating companions due to their docile and engaging nature.
Not many realize, however, that catering to their unique dietary needs involves more complexity than dropping a few lettuce leaves into their habitat. Because let’s face it, even dragons deserve a diverse diet.
That’s why I will reveal a few safe succulents for bearded dragons here, which will resolve this issue very easily.
The purpose of the article you’re getting ready to dive into is simple yet crucial: to help you, a proud bearded dragon owner, understand what succulents make the safest and most beneficial additions to your beloved bearded dragon’s diet.
12 Safe succulents for bearded dragons (The List)
Implementing succulents into their diet brings much-needed diversity to their meal times and provides a power-packed punch of essential nutrients.
Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum)
Hen and Chicks, known as Sempervivum, is a fantastic choice for bearded dragons.
This hardy succulent is safe and beneficial, providing vitamins and minerals like calcium, supporting overall health and bone growth in your bearded dragon.
The rosette-shaped leaves also add fun texture and variety to their diet.
One of the many benefits this succulent provides is a rich source of calcium, which is vital for bearded dragons as it supports bone growth and overall health.
Its leaves can serve as a nutritious supplement to their regular diet, helping to ensure your pet receives a diverse and balanced range of nutrients.
Aeonium
Aeonium is another excellent choice for bearded dragons, a succulent with distinct rosette-shaped leaves.
Aeoniums are safe for consumption and deliver essential nutrients, helping maintain your bearded dragon’s optimal health. This plant offers a splendid variety in both color and texture, which can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your bearded dragon’s habitat.
Notably, Aeonium is a good source of Vitamin A, an essential vitamin for bearded dragons as it supports the health of their skin, vision, and immune system.
This succulent is also rich in dietary fibers that can assist in your pet’s digestion. Therefore, Aeoniums diversify your pet’s diet and contribute to their wellbeing by offering these essential nutrients.
Burro’s Tail
The Burro’s Tail is a safe and visually striking succulent for bearded dragons. With its cascading, plump leaves, this succulent has a unique appearance that adds interest to your pet’s environment and diet.
Burro’s Tail is non-toxic and offers additional nutrients to supplement your bearded dragon’s well-balanced diet.
This plant contains a mix of minerals and vitamins, such as dietary fiber that can assist in promoting healthy digestion in your pet.
Burro’s Tail also provides hydration, due to its water-storage nature, which can aid bearded dragons residing in dryer habitats.
Schlumbergera
Popularly known as the Christmas or Thanksgiving cactus, Schlumbergera brings flair to your bearded dragon’s diet.
This interesting-looking succulent is safe for consumption by your bearded dragon. Aside from adding visual interest, the Schlumbergera can provide essential nutrients that contribute to your pet’s overall well-being.
Like many succulents, it serves as a source of hydration – a crucial element for maintaining your pet’s overall health. In addition,
Schlumbergera provides an excellent fibre supply, supporting healthy digestion in bearded dragons, and contributing to balanced nutrition.
Haworthia
Haworthia is yet another fantastic choice for your bearded dragon.
This small, low-growing plant is unique for its beautiful and thick puffy leaves.
Safe for bearded dragons, it offers essential nutrients, contributes to a varied diet, and brightens the terrarium’s landscape.
Haworthia succulents, with their thick, juicy leaves, provide bearded dragons with adequate hydration, especially beneficial in a dry terrarium environment.
Aside from the hydration benefits, Haworthia also contains dietary fiber and moderate amounts of Vitamin A that benefits your pet’s skin, vision, and immune system.
Stapelia
Stapelia, known as the Starfish Flower, is recognized for its thick, angular stems and fascinating flowers.
This succulent is non-toxic and safe for bearded dragons, providing them with crucial nutrients and an attractive variation in their diet. Being a low-maintenance plant, Stapelia can be a convenient choice for your dragon’s enclosure.
Thanks to its water-storing capacity, it also provides hydration, a crucial aspect of a bearded dragon’s diet.
Moreover, the plant is a source of dietary fibers promoting digestive health in your reptile pet.
Lithops
Lithops, also known as “Living Stones,” are interesting little succulents that are non-toxic and safe for consumption by bearded dragons.
Providing a good source of hydration due to their water retention ability,
Lithops can be a supplemental feeder in the diet.
They also contain dietary fiber, helping to maintain healthy digestion in bearded dragons.
Echeveria
With their beautiful rosette leaves, Echeveria succulents are safe for consumption and provide essential nutrients for bearded dragons.
Particularly, they are a great source of hydration, a necessity in the often dry habitat of a bearded dragon.
In addition to essential minerals such as calcium and potassium, they benefit bodily functions and bone structure development in your pet reptile.
X Pachyveria
X Pachyveria, a hybrid of Pachyphytum and Echeveria, is another great addition to your bearded dragon’s diet.
These succulents provide a decent hydration source due to their water-storing capacity.
Moreover, X Pachyveria is a source of dietary fiber, promoting good digestive health in your bearded dragons.
Stonecrop
Stonecrop is a wonderful succulent that’s safe for bearded dragons.
It is a good source of hydration as it retains water well in its leaves.
This succulent also provides essential dietary fiber, which can aid in the digestion process of your bearded dragon, ensuring a healthy gut.
Agave
Agave, while not a traditional food for bearded dragons, can be an emergency source.
They are high in fiber and contain a decent amount of Vitamin A, which assists skin health, sight, and immunity.
However, due to its high sugar content, Agave should only be given sparingly to prevent obesity.
Rebutia
Rebutia, often known as crown cactus, is safe and beneficial for bearded dragons. It provides hydration due to the water stored in its tissues.
The plant also provides dietary fiber, supporting digestion in your bearded dragon.
Do note that these succulents should only form a part of your bearded dragon’s diet, which should remain balanced and diverse.
Providing a variety of foods ensures a broad spectrum of nutrients necessary for their health and well-being.
Always monitor their response to newly introduced food to ensure no adverse reactions.
Are all succulents safe for Bearded dragons?
No, not all succulents are safe for Bearded Dragons. Knowing which types of succulents are suitable for your Bearded Dragon’s consumption is important. Some succulents are safe for consumption by bearded dragons and provide various nutrients essential for their health.
Examples of safe succulents include Lithops, Echeveria, X Pachyveria, Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum), Aeonium, Burro’s Tail, Schlumbergera, Haworthia, Stapelia.
However, knowing that not all succulents are equally safe and beneficial is crucial.
For example, while Aloe Vera is safe for bearded dragons and can provide many health benefits, including soothing burns, promoting wound healing, and treating skin irritations, it is not typically preferred as a regular part of a bearded dragon’s diet but can be used occasionally.
Jade Plant is another safe succulent for Bearded Dragons. But it should be noted that due to their potential toxicity level, some succulents may not be suitable for bearded dragons, hence the need for proper research and consultation with a vet before feeding them to your pet.
In conclusion, while many succulents can be a part of your Bearded Dragon’s diet, one should always do their research and consult with professional guidance before introducing new plants.
Always look for succulents that are safe for Bearded Dragons and ensure that the succulent has not been treated with any harmful chemicals that your pet could ingest.
frequently asked question (FAQs)
Q: What kind of succulents can bearded dragons eat?
A: Bearded dragons can safely eat succulents such as Echeveria, Haworthia, Hen and Chicks (Sempervivum), and Burro’s Tail. These succulents offer essential nutrients, including dietary fibers and hydration.
Q: What plants are safe to put in a bearded dragon tank?
A: Plants suitable for a bearded dragon tank include Schlumbergera, Haworthia, Burro’s Tail, and Aeonium. These plants are non-toxic and contribute to the visual interest and nutritional supplement of the bearded dragon’s environment.
Q: Can bearded dragons eat jade plants?
A: Yes, Jade plants are safe for bearded dragons. However, they should be fed sparingly and as part of a varied diet.
Q: What houseplants can a bearded dragon eat?
A: Bearded dragons can eat non-toxic houseplants such as Boston ferns, Ficus, and Spider plants. Always ensure these plants haven’t been treated with harmful chemicals before feeding them to your pet.
Q: Can Beardies eat cactus?
A: Bearded dragons can eat certain types of cacti like the Prickly Pear notwithstanding, care should be taken to remove any spines before offering them to your pet.
Q: Is pothos safe for bearded dragons?
A: Pothos is safe for a bearded dragon’s enclosure but it’s not a good idea for them to eat it. It can cause oral irritation and excessive drooling if ingested.
Conclusion:
Offering safe succulents to your bearded dragons can enhance their wellbeing by providing essential nutrients and adding diversity to their diet.
Ensuring that the chosen succulents, like Echeveria, Haworthia, and Burro’s Tail are non-toxic and part of a balanced diet, is crucial for maintaining your pet’s overall health.
When selecting plants for their habitat, considering non-toxic options such as Schlumbergera and Aeonium amplifies the visual appeal and creates a natural, enriching environment.
Always research and consult professional guidance when introducing new plants to your bearded dragon’s diet, ensuring their safety and proper nutritional intake. Embracing these principles will guarantee your bearded dragon’s thriving and happy life.
