Turtles are natural omnivores and feed on both plants and animals in the wild. When kept captive, turtles have been known to consume any green foods available, although some such as ivy, milkweed and water hemlock may prove toxic for their wellbeing.
Addition of plants to your turtle’s tank can provide him with essential nutrition and provide hiding spaces. Some plants also help filter the water while adding an attractive, natural aesthetic.
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Anacharis
Anacharis is a common aquatic plant found in aquariums and turtle tanks. This low maintenance option can reach 12 inches long without needing much care, acting as both a natural filter for water in your tank as well as providing some decoration!
Under low light conditions and without needing a substrate to grow, this plant can thrive in its environment without any risk to turtles’ health from eating it directly or any toxic properties present.
Java Moss
Moss makes a wonderful addition to any turtle tank, as it thrives under low light conditions with minimal care required. Not only can it reduce algae growth but moss is an ideal option for paludariums or ripariums (half aquatic/half terrain-based enclosures).
Water lettuce makes an excellent floating plant choice in a turtle tank, as its succulent leaves make an easy meal for turtles to devour.
Anubias
This plant is another great addition to any turtle tank as it does not require substrate and grows quickly, allowing you to quickly add new pieces as the time comes.
Hornwort is an easy plant to care for and does not need substrate or much light in order to thrive, plus it isn’t toxic to turtles making it the perfect starter option.
Banana
Bananas can provide turtles with an excellent source of nutrition. They contain potassium, magnesium, pyridoxine and B6 vitamins as well as carbohydrates and healthy fats – though be warned of their high sugar content! They should only be fed occasionally.
Hornwort is another low maintenance plant to consider growing, as it does not need substrate and tolerates low light conditions well. Unfortunately, however, too much hornwort consumption by turtles could prove toxic.
Blackberry
Blackberries are rich in essential vitamins, making them a delicious treat for turtles. Furthermore, their ability to filter water makes them an excellent choice as an aquarium plant.
Turtles should only consume fruits in moderation as excessive consumption can cause digestive issues and it is also important to consider their breed when feeding them fruit.
Blueberry
Blueberries make a delicious treat for turtles, and can be safely enjoyed in moderation without posing health concerns. Blueberries have many beneficial health effects on turtles including improved skin health and strengthening bones.
Hornwort grows quickly without needing much light or CO2, making it easy to care for. You can either anchor it directly onto your tank substrate or allow it to float freely – either way it offers water filtration benefits and algae control benefits!
Grapes
Grapes are safe food options for turtles and should be fed moderately. Rich in sugar, grapes provide energy to these aquatic reptiles while providing vitamins and minerals essential for their wellbeing.
Seedless grapes are ideal for feeding turtles as they do not present a risk of choking on them, while grape juice contains high concentrations of fructose that could result in insulin resistance in turtles.
Mulberry
Mulberry (Morus alba) makes an excellent addition to turtle tanks as it doesn’t require much light or Co2. Furthermore, its slow growth won’t overtake your tank and provides sustenance to squirrels, bluebirds, northern mockingbirds and towhees alike! Wildlife alike frequently snack on it too – squirrels eating it are particularly fond of snacking!
Hornwort is another viable option that doesn’t need substrate and can attach itself to any surface without much light or maintenance.
Persimmon
Persimmon leaves contain plenty of vitamin C, K and potassium for optimal health. Persimmon fruit should only be offered occasionally as they contain high amounts of sugar.
Turtle diets should feature mostly dark leafy greens such as romaine lettuce, collard greens, mustard greens, turnips, kale, endive Swiss chard dandelion greens and clover; avoid low nutritional-value varieties such as iceberg lettuce.
Strawberry
Strawberry is an enjoyable treat that’s safe for turtles as long as it is given in moderation, adding variety to its diet and helping maintain optimal health.
Strawberry is rich in Vitamin C, helping strengthen immunity and bones. Furthermore, potassium provides cardiovascular support while helping prevent dehydration. Strawberry plants are easily grown indoors and could make an excellent addition to your turtle’s diet.
