[Cartier736]

I'm considering a bromeliad for my crested gecko vivarium and was wondering if i could get any suggestions on type.

I'm looking for a bromeliad that is just big enough for an adult crested to sleep in, no larger.

It should be of the style where the leaves form a sort of bowl in the middle.

I don't know whether or not it being one of the ones with a stem in the middle would be unacceptable. I would think it's harder to sleep in if there is a stupid stem taking up all the room. But if I'm wrong here please correct me. If, i'm right, then please suggest ones without stems in the middle.

Finally, I read that most bromeliads have sharp spines alone the edges of their leaves. This concerns me as a danger to my crested, please tell me if i'm correct in thinking this is a danger. Do crested's naturally know how to avoid the spines? If i'm right in thinking it's a danger, then please suggest bromeliads without the spines.

I know that is a long grocery list of specifics but I'd appreciate any help and advice you have. Thanks!

[lauraleellbp]

I can't give you specific guidance, unfortunately, but yes numerous broms do have spines lining their leaves and I personally would try and avoid those. I think you are correct that there are some species that do not have those spines, and if possible I'd go with those for Cresteds since their skin is so soft. IDK which those are, though... you might try on www.DendroBoards.com since dart frog keepers often know quite a bit about brom species (since dart frogs spawn in them).

I think most broms need to be maintained with water always in between their leaves, though- which would probably not be good for a Crestie to sleep in- so you might want to consider something like a Sanservia (snake plant) instead?

[Cartier736]

Thanks for the help and for the dart frog website! If anyone else here can give me specific suggestions, I will be checking this thread periodically. In the mean time, I have a question for some dart frog owners hehe.

[Aerio]

Bromeliaceae guzmania im pretty sure there's spineless and there very beautiful especially the scarlet one. I myself grow tillandsias though there not strong enough for crested but they are part of the bromeliad family here's a couple pics.
tillandsia mexicana
tillandsia zebrina

Hope I helped at all

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[Cartier736]

Thanks for the suggestion! I checked the guzmania out, but it seems they're all a bit too large for a vivarium. Your tillandsias look great and i may use on or two simply as decoration rather than a sleeping place in the vivarium. After checking out various other types of bromeliads it seems i'd be better off with an alternative plant because all the bromeliads that fit my description at the top of this thread seem to need water in the middle of the leaves and that is a bit of a drowning hazard depending on how much water you put in there.

So let's talk alternatives. What other non-bromeliad plants don't take up too much space, have large strong leaves that an adult crested could sleep on or between, and don't have spines?

[Aerio]

Maybe a strong vine shaped the right way or let me think ill get back to you

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[Cartier736]

I just found a whole ton of different sansevierias (snake plants) that would do the job perfectly, you just have to look for the types that are compact and short with broad leaves, instead of the tall varieties used as decorative houseplants. I found a sanservieria "Bird's Nest" that looks like it was destined to be slept in.

Check it out Looks cozy! ;D

[Aerio]

Awesome I might pick one up meself

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