Crested geckos have become a popular choice for reptile enthusiasts in recent years. These fascinating creatures are easy to care for, have interesting personalities, and are fun to observe. Their ability to climb walls and glide through the air makes them an intriguing pet to watch, especially for children. While they are generally low maintenance pets, it’s important to provide them with the right environment to keep them healthy and happy.
When it comes to caring for crested geckos, the substrate is an essential aspect of their habitat. Not only does it provide a surface for them to walk on, but it also helps maintain humidity levels and keeps their enclosure clean. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of substrates available and help you decide which one is right for your crested gecko.
The Best Substrates for Crested Geckos
There are several substrates that can be used for crested geckos, however, we recommend choosing one (or combining all) of the following three options: orchid bark, cypress mulch, and coconut husks.
Orchid Bark
Orchid bark, also known as fir bark, is a highly recommended substrate for crested geckos due to its ability to retain moisture and promote a healthy environment for your pet. This type of substrate is made from the bark of trees and is free of harmful chemicals and pesticides, making it safe for your gecko to crawl on and ingest.
Orchid bark is also great for maintaining humidity levels, which is crucial for the health of your crested gecko. Additionally, its texture allows for easy burrowing and helps simulate a natural environment for your pet. Overall, orchid bark is an excellent substrate option for crested geckos that promotes their well-being and is easy to maintain.
Cypress Mulch
Cypress mulch is another popular substrate option for crested geckos due to its ability to retain moisture and resist mold growth. This type of substrate is made from the bark of cypress trees and is often used in outdoor gardening projects.
Cypress mulch is also free of harmful chemicals and pesticides, making it a safe choice for your pet to crawl on and ingest. It is also easy to spot clean and does not need to be changed as frequently as other substrates.
Additionally, cypress mulch is a good option for crested geckos that enjoy burrowing as it allows them to create tunnels and hideaways. Overall, cypress mulch is a great substrate choice for crested geckos that promotes a natural environment and is easy to maintain.
Coconut Husks
Coconut husks are a great option for substrate in crested gecko enclosures due to their ability to hold moisture and maintain a healthy level of humidity. They are made from the fibrous outer shell of coconuts and are free of chemicals and pesticides, making them safe for your gecko to crawl on and ingest.
Coconut husks are also eco-friendly and sustainable, making them a popular choice among environmentally conscious pet owners. They are also easy to clean and maintain, as they only need to be replaced every few months. Additionally, coconut husks provide a natural-looking environment for your gecko and allow for easy burrowing and hiding. Overall, coconut husks are a great substrate option for crested geckos that promote a healthy and natural environment while being easy to maintain.
Why You Should Use A Combination of All Three
While each substrate mentioned above has its own unique benefits, using a combination of all three can provide an even more ideal environment for your crested gecko. By combining orchid bark, cypress mulch, and coconut husks, you can create a substrate that is well-balanced in terms of moisture retention, texture, and aesthetics. This combination allows your gecko to enjoy the best of all worlds when it comes to substrate options.
The combination of these substrates can also help prevent the negative aspects that may be associated with using just one type of substrate. For example, using only orchid bark may result in a dry environment, while using only coconut husks may result in excessive moisture. By combining the substrates, you can achieve a balance that promotes a healthy environment for your gecko.
Additionally, the combination of different textures can provide a more stimulating environment for your gecko to explore and burrow in, keeping them happy and entertained. Overall, using a combination of all three substrates can be a great option for crested gecko owners who want to provide the best possible environment for their pets.
Luckily, all of these substrate items can be bought directly on Amazon and delivered to your door. Below are the products we recommend:
Product Name | Image | Buy On Amazon |
Repta-Bark All Natural Bark Bedding |   1700+ Reviews | |
Exo Terra Forest Moss |   3000+ Reviews | |
ReptiCasa Cocunut Fiber Substrate |   100+ Reviews |
If you feel like supporting an online reptile store directly, then we’d recommend buying from either XYZReptiles or CB Reptile.
Other Substrates to Consider
If you’re not sold on any of the three substrates mentioned above, then you can also consider choosing one from the list below:
- Sphagnum moss – This is a natural, organic substrate that can help maintain humidity levels and provide a soft surface for your gecko to walk on. It is also easy to clean and can help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Paper towels – This is a cheap and easy-to-clean substrate option that can be changed frequently. It is also great for monitoring your gecko’s droppings and can help prevent the spread of disease.
- Reptile carpet – This is a synthetic substrate that is easy to clean and can be reused. It provides a soft surface for your gecko to walk on and can also help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Bioactive substrate – This is a natural substrate that includes living organisms such as microorganisms and small invertebrates. It creates a self-sustaining environment that can help regulate humidity levels and provide a natural environment for your gecko.
- Clay substrate – This is a substrate made from clay and can help maintain humidity levels. It is also easy to clean and can provide a natural-looking environment for your gecko.
Each of these substrates has its own unique benefits, and it’s important to choose the one that best fits your gecko’s needs and preferences.
Conclusion: Which Substrate Is Best For Crested Geckos?
The best substrate for a crested gecko is a combination of orchid bark, cypress mulch, and coconut husks. Together, these three substrates help create and maintain a healthy and livable environment for your crested gecko.
You can also use any of the three individually, which will save you money in the long run. However, if you’re looking for the most ideal set up possible for your pet crested gecko, then we would recommend a combination of all three.
