Create the ideal environment for your Phelsuma

The Phelsuma, a brightly colored diurnal gecko native to Madagascar and the islands of the Indian Ocean, is a small reptile that loves to climb and explore its environment. For it to feel comfortable and stay healthy, it is essential to reproduce its natural tropical habitat as closely as possible.

The choice of terrarium is important because the Phelsuma is arboreal and prefers to spend its time up high. A preferably vertical terrarium with good ventilation and a secure closure provides the necessary space for its movements and explorations.

The floor should be covered with a safe and moist substrate such as coconut fiber or soil for tropical plants without fertilizer or pesticides, and the addition of bark or sphagnum moss helps create humid areas where the gecko can hide and feel comfortable.

The temperature must be suitable, with an average of 25 to 28 °C during the day and a warm spot around 30 °C, and a drop to 20–22 °C at night. Lighting is also essential, with a low UVB light supply to promote the synthesis of vitamin D3 and a light cycle of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness to reproduce the gecko’s natural rhythm.

The humidity of the terrarium should be maintained between 60 and 80 % and can be ensured by regular misting once or twice a day, depending on the ventilation and the size of the terrarium. The introduction of live plants such as pothos, ficus, or bromeliads helps maintain this humidity and provides natural hiding places so that the Phelsuma can feel safe.

The layout of the terrarium should include branches and perches for climbing and resting, as well as hiding places such as bark or leaves and areas exposed to heat to regulate its body temperature. A vertical and stimulating environment promotes the gecko’s activity and well-being.

The diet of the Phelsuma combines live insects such as crickets or mealworms and fruits such as banana, mango, or papaya, and the addition of calcium and vitamin D3 is recommended once a week, especially for young ones and breeding females.

Observing the gecko makes it possible to check its well-being through its activity, color, and appetite, and maintaining good air circulation helps prevent fungi and bacteria. Providing a rich and vertical environment allows the Phelsuma to thrive fully and remain active.

Reproducing a tropical habitat with warmth, humidity, branches, hiding places, and plants is essential for the well-being of your Phelsuma, and by properly arranging its terrarium and respecting its dietary and environmental needs, you offer your gecko a space where it can thrive and live happily.

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A PRODUCT FOR YOUR PHELSUMA:

COCO BRANCHES

Coconut fiber branch, perfect for creating a natural decoration while offering more space for your animal.

It is perfectly suitable for tropical terrariums. By spraying it regularly, you will maintain good humidity in your terrarium. Green moss can also develop on the branch, giving an even more natural look.

You can also attach epiphytic plants to it.