Finding safe plants for sugar gliders takes care because many common houseplants and garden plants are toxic to small animals. Gliders chew, lick and explore everything they touch. If you want natural branches or greenery in or near the cage, choose untreated wood from plants on a reliable pet-safe list, wash it well, and confirm with your exotics vet when in doubt.
At SunCoast Sugar Gliders we've designed glider habitats since 1999. Here's how to add plants and branches safely.
Why Owners Add Plants and Branches
- Natural climbing and gripping surfaces
- Enrichment through new textures and scents. See sugar glider enrichment
- Chewing that keeps gliders busy
General Safety Rules
- Avoid anything treated with pesticides, fertilizers, paints or sealants
- Skip wood from roadsides or yards that may be sprayed
- Avoid sappy, resinous woods such as many evergreens
- Wash branches and let them dry fully before use
- Check identification. If you can't identify a plant for certain, don't use it
- Watch for mold and replace branches that get damp or dirty
Branches Many Owners Use
Many glider owners use untreated branches from fruit trees such as apple or pear, along with commercially sold pet-safe perches. Always double-check any plant against a reliable toxicity list before offering it.
Plants to Keep Away
Many houseplants are toxic to pets. Common examples to keep out of reach include:
- Lilies
- Philodendron and pothos
- Dieffenbachia
- Oleander
- Azalea and rhododendron
- Sago palm
This list isn't exhaustive. Keep houseplants out of the play room, since gliders can glide onto plants you thought were out of reach. Read about other household hazards for sugar gliders.
Live Plants in the Cage?
Live plants in a cage can get soaked with urine, knocked over or chewed down quickly. Most owners find safe branches and fleece easier to manage than live plants.
Food vs. Decoration
A plant that's safe as a perch isn't automatically safe to eat. For food guidance, see what not to feed sugar gliders.
Choosing Safe Materials
The same principles apply to toys and perches. Learn more about safe toy materials for sugar gliders.
How to Prepare Branches Step by Step
- Collect branches from trees you've identified and know are safe, away from roads and sprayed areas
- Inspect them for mold, bugs, bird droppings and damage
- Scrub them with hot water and a stiff brush
- Rinse well and let them soak if needed to loosen dirt
- Dry them fully, ideally in the sun for a few days or in a low oven following safe guidelines for your oven
- Check again for sharp points or loose bark before use
Common Plant and Branch Mistakes
- Guessing the type of tree. If you can't identify it, don't use it
- Using branches from treated lawns or roadsides
- Using houseplants in or near the cage without checking they're safe
- Leaving branches until they rot. Damp wood can grow mold
- Using artificial plants with small parts that can be chewed off
What to Look For When Buying Branches or Perches
- Natural, untreated wood labeled safe for small animals or birds
- No paint, varnish or glue
- Smooth surfaces without splinters
- A sturdy fit in the cage
Checking Plants Already in Your Home
Make a list of every houseplant in rooms where gliders play. Look each one up using a reliable source, such as your vet or a trusted poison control database. Move any plant you're unsure about to a room gliders never visit.
When to See an Exotics Vet
If you think your glider chewed or ate part of an unsafe plant, call an exotics vet right away. Bring a piece of the plant or a photo so the vet can identify it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put plants in my sugar glider's cage?
Untreated, pet-safe branches work well. Live plants are often more trouble than they're worth.
Are pine branches safe?
Many owners avoid resinous woods like pine. Choose safer options.
What if my glider ate a houseplant?
Call your exotics vet right away, and bring the name of the plant if you know it.
Conclusion: Natural, but Safe
Untreated branches from pet-safe trees bring the outdoors in without the risk. Pair a safe habitat with premium nutrition from SunCoast sugar glider food. SunCoast Sugar Gliders, Since 1999. Orders of $30 or more ship free.