# Best Artificial Plants for Terrariums Source: https://terrariumnest.com/best/best-artificial-plants-for-terrariums Updated: 2026-09-15 Publisher: Terrarium Nest. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://terrariumnest.com/how-we-research#our-score Artificial plants earn their place when live ones will not survive: arid desert setups, heavy diggers, quarantine tubs and low-light racks. Their real job is cover, so an animal can cross open ground without feeling exposed. What varies is material and safety. Soft silk and silicone leaves suit delicate skin, stiff plastic can carry sharp molded edges, and cheap dyes sometimes bleed once daily misting starts. We weighed leaf density, whether suction cups and stakes actually hold, and how well each piece survives repeated washing and disinfecting. Broad-leaf vines suit crested geckos and tree frogs that sleep on foliage, low bushy clumps suit leopard geckos and ball pythons crossing open floor, and mats suit background cover. Check for wire ends poking through stems, and trim or seal anything sharp before it goes near an animal. ## Picks ### 1. Exo Terra Plastic Terrarium Plant, Large, Croton Our score: 7.7/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) The Exo Terra plastic terrarium plant in Large, Croton style, a bigger artificial plant for mid to large enclosures. Pros: - Large size provides real visual cover for shy animals - Durable plastic survives climbing and misting - Easy to rinse clean during tank maintenance Cons: - Costs more than smaller plants for a similar look - Sharp plastic edges should be checked before adding Details: https://terrariumnest.com/product/B0002AR5EM ### 2. Exo Terra Silk Terrarium Plant, Large, Ficus Our score: 7.7/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Exo Terra's silk terrarium plant in Large, Ficus style, a soft-leaved artificial plant for bigger enclosures. Pros: - Silk leaves look softer and more natural than plastic - Large Ficus gives height and cover for arboreal species - Suction cup style base can attach to glass Cons: - Silk can fray over time with climbing and misting - Harder to clean thoroughly than plastic plants Details: https://terrariumnest.com/product/B0002AR63C ### 3. Exo Terra Plastic Terrarium Plant, Small, Croton Our score: 7.3/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) Exo Terra's plastic terrarium plant in Small, Croton style, a colorful artificial plant for any enclosure. Pros: - Croton leaves add bright color to desert or tropical tanks - Plastic plants do not need light or watering - Small size fits nano and juvenile setups easily Cons: - Plastic leaves can look artificial next to real plants - Small plant gives only minor cover for hiding animals Details: https://terrariumnest.com/product/B0002AR5CY ### 4. Exo Terra Plastic Terrarium Plant, Small, Mandarin Our score: 7.3/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 6/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) An Exo Terra plastic terrarium plant in Small, Mandarin style, a leafy green accent for small enclosures. Pros: - Mandarin leaves give a natural green look in tropical tanks - Small plant fits corners and behind hides - No care needed beyond occasional rinsing Cons: - Small plant alone gives little coverage, so group several together - Plastic does not add humidity like live plants Details: https://terrariumnest.com/product/B0002AR5DI ### 5. Exclaith 4 Pack Reptile Fake Plants for Terrarium, Artificial Monstera Amphibian Habitat Decor Our score: 7.0/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 8/10) Exclaith's 4 Pack of reptile fake plants with artificial Monstera leaves for terrarium and amphibian habitat decor. Pros: - 4 Pack fills an enclosure with cover at a low cost - Monstera leaves give a bold, jungle look - Suitable for amphibian and reptile tanks alike Cons: - Lesser-known brand, so check for loose parts before use - Large leaves may block lighting for other decor Details: https://terrariumnest.com/product/B0FMY6SHYK ### 6. Exo Terra Hanging Silk Plants - Ficus Our score: 6.9/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 7/10) Exo Terra hanging silk plants in Ficus style, trailing artificial foliage for upper levels of terrariums. Pros: - Hanging design fills upper areas where climbers rest - Silk Ficus leaves look natural and feel soft - Adds cover up high without taking any floor space from the animal Cons: - Check the plant size and length before buying - Silk leaves collect dust and need regular rinsing Details: https://terrariumnest.com/product/B0D73V7JCT ### 7. IBWell Fake Reptile Plants for Reptile Terrarium, Turtle Tank Plants with Suction Cup Our score: 6.3/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10) IBWell's fake reptile plants with a suction cup for reptile terrariums and turtle tanks. Pros: - Suction cup base attaches to glass in wet and dry tanks - Works in turtle tanks where soil-based plants cannot go - Adds quick cover without needing lighting Cons: - Suction cups can lose grip over time, especially on dirty or wet glass - Check the pack size and plant height before buying Details: https://terrariumnest.com/product/B0CLGBTLLW ### 8. IBWell Fake Reptile Plants for Terrarium Decor, Turtle Tank with Suction Cup Our score: 6.3/10 (Fit for the job 7/10 · Features and specs 5/10 · Build and materials 6/10 · Value 7/10) A second IBWell fake reptile plant listing with a suction cup, sold for terrarium decor and turtle tanks. Pros: - Suction cup mounting lets the plant sit on glass above the waterline - Artificial foliage survives turtle tanks where real plants get eaten - Cheap way to add green cover to a bare enclosure Cons: - Near-identical to another IBWell listing, so compare pack contents first - Title gives no plant size, so coverage is hard to judge in advance Details: https://terrariumnest.com/product/B0CLGBD3K4 As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.