Tortoises (Testudinidae) are some of the most remarkable and long-lived reptiles. When provided with the right environment, they can prove to be hearty and low-maintenance companions. A visit from one of these armored animals can be an educational experience for both adults and children. If you’re lucky enough to legally obtain one and keep it as a pet, you’ll find that it thrives best in sunny and naturalized, outdoor locations.
In the wild, tortoises live in diverse, terrestrial habitats like deserts, forests, grasslands, and sandy coastlines. They are often confused with their semi-aquatic relatives, often called terrapins, which stay close to sources of water. Given their low metabolic rate, tortoises can survive for days to months without food and water.
Generally herbivorous, tortoises feed on all sorts of leafy greens, delicate flowers, and nutrient-rich fruits. Individuals that have grown in the wild instinctively know which types of plants to avoid and which ones are safe to eat. In contrast, those that have been bred in captivity may mistake dangerous plants for safe ones. If you intend to either attract wild tortoises or raise one in your own garden, it would be prudent to grow the right set of reptile-friendly plants.
1) Hostas (Hosta spp.)
Members of the Asparagaceae family, which includes many edible and leafy plants, hostas are some of the most reliable shade ornamentals. Their broad leaves can measure up to 18 inches (46 cm) long and 12 inches (30 cm) wide, making them relatively large compared to the full height of the plant. Leaves of wild types of hostas are typically green, but nursery cultivars come in many variegation patterns with bright shades of yellow, gold, and cream.
Hostas can be propagated via plant division, so they can be used to gradually add more texture around a tortoise-friendly garden. Though they do contain saponins, their leaves are devoid of other dangerous toxins; tortoises can consume one or two leaves per day as part of a varied diet. As they don’t tend to be preferred over other more nutritious greens, they seldom get over-grazed. Note that hostas are toxic to dogs and cats despite being safe to grow around reptiles.
2) White stone crop (Sedum album)
The white stone crop is an adorable succulent. Evergreen and mat-forming, it is often cultivated as a ground cover plant in semi-arid to arid zones. In the wild, its fast-growing stands favor conditions in rocky meadows and sandy coastlines. Its short stems may grow vertically or horizontally, extending the spread of the plant by producing roots wherever the stem touches the ground. The leaves are fleshy and cylinder-shaped, with tips that are blunt and rounded. These are packed with moisture.
Tortoises can be placed in gardens with white stone crop as it is not a hazardous sedum. It should not be confused with its close cousin, the biting stonecrop (Sedum acre), which can be toxic. Note that S. album has white flowers, whereas S. acre has yellow ones. Though tortoises can eat a small amount of the former, make sure they restrict themselves to conservative amounts as the ingestion of too many stone crop leaves may have a laxative effect.
3) Baby’s breath spirea (Spiraea thunbergii)
Widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, baby’s breath spirea is ideal for small to medium-sized gardens. In summer, it can brighten up fully exposed to lightly shaded areas with its spritely inflorescences of white flowers. Soon after the swathes of blooms emerge, narrow and pale green leaves begin to develop. They turn into warm shades of yellow, orange, and bronze in the fall. For spring-to-fall attraction, incorporate this species into textural borders.
Tortoises can safely be kept in pens or gardens with dense clumps of baby’s breath spirea. In the absence of other food sources, they’ll happily munch on the toxin-free leaves. In fact, as this species would need to be pruned frequently, grazing activity would actually promote the growth of new shoots and leaves. This goes to show that tortoises may actually aid in a gardener’s work!
4) Wax begonia (Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum)
The wax begonia is named for its waxy, green to bronze foliage. These semi-succulent leaves are perfect for adding a dramatic touch to container gardens or partly shaded patios. Their deep hues are a striking contrast to the clusters of pink to red blooms which appear in late spring to fall. Depending on the cultivar, the shoots may have a trailing or upright growth habit. They should look fantastic in clay pots around a tortoise pen.
Though begonias may be denoted as mildly toxic, they have no known toxicity towards tortoises. They can be consumed in moderation, although they should not be a principal source of nutrients in the diet of any herbivorous reptile. Make sure to grow its stands alongside those of other harmless perennials. That way, any visiting tortoises would be provided with a selection of grazer-friendly plants.
Note that begonias require good air circulation and well-draining soils to thrive. Both their shoots and roots are prone to fungal diseases and moisture-induced rot. When provided with their basic requirements for good growth, mature begonias are tolerant of high humidity levels and brief dry spells.
5) Rose mallow (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis)
This tropical hibiscus is a lovely shrub for ornamental gardens. Its phenomenal blooms, which are usually deep red and made up of five delicate petals, appear through spring and summer. These are complemented by dark green, pointed leaves with serrated margins. The leaves have many herbal uses in East Asia, while the solitary flowers are known for being edible and are sometimes used as a garnish.
Tortoises are sure to love the eye-catching blooms of rose mallow shrubs. They’ll eagerly chomp up the petals of any fallen flowers. Though they are unlikely to be as in demand as the blooms, the leathery leaves may also occasionally be consumed. These arise on branching shoots that may grow as tall as 16 feet (4.9 meters). If your tortoise-friendly garden could use some tall shrubs and vertical texture, consider growing this ever-charming plant.
6) Petunia (Petunia spp.)
Commonly cultivated petunias are hybrids of P. integrifolia and P. axillaris. These parent species are notable members of the nightshade or Solanaceae family, which contains a substantial number of toxic genera. Petunias, however, are not known for being toxic. There have yet to be reports of undesirable symptoms occurring after the ingestion of either petunia leaves or flowers.
That being said, while these plants are definitely safe to grow around tortoises, make sure they aren’t the only forage options in your garden. Petunias can definitely be a part of their diet as long as other sources of nutrients are provided. Note that ‘False Petunia’ looks uncannily like the members of this genus, but it is actually listed under Ruellia. It is likewise safe for tortoises.
7) Pot marigold (Calendula officinalis)
Great for sunny locations, pot marigold is a low-maintenance and eye-catching perennial. It is often grown as an annual plant because it is sensitive to both markedly cool and intensely hot temperatures. Its rapid growth rate and its general versatility make up for its short-lived nature. With erect stems that can measure as much as 31 inches (79 cm) tall, it can be used in seasonal stands of wildlife-friendly plants.
The bright florets of pot marigold, which may be deep yellow to orange, are edible and are often used as a garnish in salads. Both the leaves and blooms can be consumed by tortoises and can compose a portion of their varied diet. Make sure you don’t confuse this species with the Central American marigolds of the Tagetes genus, however, as those are not safe for tortoises to eat.
8) Pansies (Viola tricolor var. hortensis)
The garden pansy is beloved all throughout Europe for its colorful blooms and ease of cultivation. This ornamental plant is a hybrid of several species under the Viola genus, which is largely restricted to temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere. Grown in sunny areas with well-draining soils, it is absolutely delightful as a tortoise-friendly plant. Just keep in mind that hungry tortoises can mow down entire stands of this plant!
If you’re determined to grow pansies in a tortoise pen, consider situating them in tall pots, elevated containers, or hanging baskets. This way, their edible blooms can brighten up the area without prematurely being eaten. As these should attract bumblebees, they can aid in ensuring that other nearby plants are pollinated. From time to time, some of the blooms and leaves may fall and serve as treats for lucky grazers.
9) ‘Knock Out’ roses (Rosa ‘Knock Out’)
‘Knock Out’ roses are distinguished by their saucer-shaped blooms, which come in the prettiest shades of pink, red, and orange. The cheery blooms may have a single or double layer of delicate petals. Like those of other Rosa cultivars, they are fragrant, attractive to pollinators, and appear in spring through fall. Truly living up to its name, this cultivar is an absolute knockout because its disease-resistant shoots produce so many blooms within a single growth season.
Apart from enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a tortoise pen, ‘Knock Out’ roses can be occasional treats. Their fallen blooms are sure to get chomped up by any hungry grazers. You can plant them in dense groups to create a colorful and edible border. Though the stems and leaves are not typically consumed, young stands should ideally be protected or elevated from hungry tortoises. Fortunately, the tougher shoots of mature specimens tend to be left alone.
10) Ornamental grasses (various species)
Ornamental grasses are some of the best options for naturalizing tortoise-friendly gardens or enclosures. These highly textural plants can mimic the natural features of tortoise habitats. Their lengthy fronds create zones with shade, cover, and food. Tortoises are likely to hide beneath their arching leaves or consume their young stands.
Aim to grow a diverse selection of species that share similar growth requirements. Keep in mind that some grasses prefer wet conditions, making them ideal for gardens with water features. The grasses listed below are safe for tortoises to eat, but they should not be relied upon as the sole food source. At best, they should be fed to tortoises in moderation.
- Oat grass (Avena sativa)
- Rye grass (Lolium perenne)
- Wheat grass (Triticum)
- Couch grass (Elymus repens)
- Fescue grass (Festuca)
- Fountaingrass (Pennisetum)
- Cogon grass (Imperata cylindrica)
- Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana)
11) Mulberry trees (Morus rubra or Morus alba)
Mulberry trees are lovely additions to wildlife gardens because both their leaves and berries are safe for tortoises. Able to grow to a full height of about 70 feet (21 meters) tall, these trees provide shade in areas that are otherwise intensely sunny and warm. Grazers can relax under the cover of their textural canopies. The fallen berries can serve as nutritious treats for fruit-eating tortoises.
Interestingly, though tortoises can consume mulberries without any problems, the leaves may cause problematic symptoms in humans. Along with the bark, the nutrient-rich leaves contain a toxic, milky sap. Consuming the unripe berries may also lead to unpleasant symptoms.
12) False goat’s beard (Astilbe spp.)
These eye-catching members of the Saxifragaceae family are some of the best ornamental plants for partly shaded gardens with moist conditions. These award-winners have dense plumes of vivid inflorescences. Blooms appear from spring to summer and attract dozens of pollinators and beneficial insects. Complementing their airy plumes are sets of deep-green leaflets. These have a graceful, fern-like appearance.
Fortunately for tortoises, false goat’s beard is perfectly safe to eat! You may grow dense stands of Astilbe cultivars around their pens and enclosures. These are also great herbs with which to attract wild animals. Herbivores will be hard-pressed to resist the bright pink to purple tones of the blooms as well as the delectable texture and crunchiness of the leaves.
