How to choose Reptile Decoration.
Providing a perfect habitat for your pet reptile is absolutely essential. All sorts of accessories and equipment are available to ensure environmental parameters such as temperature and Humidity are correctly maintained. One thing that is often neglected is the internal decoration. Spending some time on Vivascaping (Decorating the vivarium) will not only make any reptile feel more relaxed and therefore less stressed but will ensure that the vivarium is a stunning centrepiece in the home. The living picture created, whether desert or rainforest, field or woodland will rival that of any painter. Below are a few ideas for decorating your vivarium.

Types of decoration.
Decoration can be either natural or manmade. Often a combination of these two types can be combined to great effect. Examples of natural decoration would be Mopani wood, Bogwood, sand blasted Grapevine, wooden hides, Cork bark and rock and stone. Examples of Manmade decorations are silk and plastic plants, Simlawood and Simlastone and T-Rex’s stunning corner fitting waterfall cascade. Many others are available. A word of caution, it is not advisable to use natural materials that you may find as these could be contaminated or contain harmful pathogenic bacteria or fungal spores.

Choosing decoration.
Once a substrate (The material for the base of the vivarium) has been chosen (See “ How to choose reptile substrates”) you can plan the Vivascaping. First establish whether the reptile is more likely to inhabit the ground area or if it is arboreal. Even predominantly ground dwelling species may appreciate some decorative additions enabling them to climb a little. Decide if some decoration is essential to the well being of the animal, for example inclusion of Moss or Lichen, which can assist in maintaining a consistently high humidity.

Decorating the Rainforest vivarium.
The Rainforest is one of the richest and most complex environments on Earth (Rivalled only by the exotic tropical reef systems). It’s beauty is unsurpassed. You can create a miniature version of this stunning landscape in your own home. This type of decoration is also suitable for Jungle dwelling species. Include Mopani or bogwood (Or the artificial Simlawood). Choose large pieces to give height and climbing opportunity and litter the base area with smaller pieces to provide hiding places and interest. The new natural material “Roots” is ideal for this. Drape the taller pieces with Mosses and Lichen. These will need spraying (Use the same type of mist sprayer that you would use to spray your houseplants) twice daily to keep in perfect condition. For great effect and to ensure minimum maintenance use plastic or silk plants to complement the arrangement of décor. In order to avoid the chore of mist spraying you could invest in an atomiser commonly known as “Mist makers”. These devices can be coupled up to a timer device and will then deliver a misting at pre-determined intervals. The highest humidity levels can be achieved by using these devices. Reptiles such as Water Dragons, Iguana’s, some Salamanders and others will thrive in this environment. Decorative backgrounds that attach to the outside back pane of the vivarium can add a 3D depth to the decorative look. . Natural plants can be included. Ensure that any live plants chosen are non- toxic. Your local garden centre will be happy to advise

Decorating the Desert vivarium.
Over millennia, many animals, insects and reptiles have evolved to survive in that harshest and most Spartan of environments, which is the desert. This bleak landscape is, nonetheless home to a surprising variety of flora and fauna. The common reptile species suitable for inclusion into a desert simulacra are Bearded Dragons, Euromastix, and one of the highly recommended “starter” reptiles, the Leopard Gecko and others. Sand blasted grapevine with its bleached, weathered look is an ideal decoration and Mopani wood can also be used. At the advent of occasional rainfall, deserts burst into bloom and silk or plastic plants can be included in the vivascape to provide colour and lift the decorative scheme. Natural plants such as Succulents can be included. Avoid Cacti as the prickly spines may injure your reptiles. Ensure that any live plants chosen are non- toxic. Your local garden centre will be happy to advise. Decorative backgrounds that attach to the outside back pane of the vivarium can add a 3D depth to the decorative look.

Decorating the field or forest vivarium.
The field or forest vivarium is most commonly home to the most popular Snake varieties such as Rat snakes, Corn snakes, Milk snakes, King snakes and garter and Ribbon snakes. These snakes inhabit geographically vast areas with a multitude of environmental diversity ranging from sandy scrub to rocky terrain and pine covered forest floors. Decoration for a typical vivarium of this type would feature Mopani and bogwood, roots and rockwork. It is important to include hiding places with this material or Cork bark and Forest hides to offer a degree of security. Once again live, plastic and silk plants together with a 3D background can be used to great effect. This set up will also suit many skinks and small lizard varieties.

With a little research, imagination and the help of lifeforceonline you can create an incredible display, which not only provides that perfect environment for your chosen reptile but also will be a constant talking point for you, your friends and family.