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The Daily Insight

What kind of plants do sulcata tortoises eat

Author

Ava Hall

Published Mar 24, 2026

Grasses and hay: Sulcata tortoises NEED access to grasses and hay on which to graze. This is the bulk of their diet (90%) and should be from pesticide- and herbicide-free grass and grass cuttings, cheat grass, clover, edible flowers (nasturtium, geraniums, hibiscus, rose petals) and shrubs.

What plants can I put in my sulcata tortoise enclosure?

  • Geraniums.
  • Lemon Balm.
  • Plaintain.
  • Turtle Vine.
  • Aloe Vera.
  • Cactus.
  • Dandelions.
  • Clover.

What should sulcata tortoises eat everyday?

Grasses and Hay 100% Of The Time! Sulcata tortoises NEED access to grasses and hay on which to graze. The bulk of their diet should be from pesticide and herbicide-free grass and grass cuttings, cheatgrass, clover, edible flowers (nasturtium, geraniums, hibiscus, rose petals), and shrubs.

What plants can tortoise eat?

  • Lemon Balm. …
  • Red Sorrel. …
  • Plaintain Assorted. …
  • Self Heal. …
  • Callisia repens. …
  • Dandelion – flowers & leaves. …
  • Aloe vera.
  • Antirrhinum – flowers & leaves.

Can sulcata tortoises eat succulents?

Succulents. Succulents make excellent tortoise table plants, especially for desert-dwelling tortoise species. Tortoises can also eat succulents and providing desert tortoises with succulents may help mimic their natural habitat.

What plants are bad for tortoises?

Common NameBotanical NameToxicityAmaryllisAmaryllis belladonna2Asparagus FernAsparagus sprengerii2, 3Arrowhead VineSyngonium podophyllum1Avocado (leaves, seeds)Persea americana2

Can tortoise eat dandelion leaves?

Dandelions are a firm favourite with tortoises, and although they can be quite high in oxalates (with the older leaves having the highest content), and they also have mild diuretic properties, it is perfectly safe to feed them as part of a wider, varied diet.

What plants can I put in my tortoise enclosure?

  • Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis). These large shrubs are great plants for tortoise pens. …
  • Aloe (Aloe species). …
  • Jade Plant (Crassula argentea). …
  • Spineless Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia species). …
  • Yucca (Yucca species).

What flower can tortoise eat?

  • Tropical Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) flowers and leaves are nutritious favorites of many tortoises. …
  • Blue Hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) is in the same family as the Tropical Hibiscus. …
  • Chinese Lantern (Abutilon hybridum) has flowers which many tortoises find delectable.
Can tortoise eat hydrangea?

And some plants that are poisonous to your tortoise: Lupins, Daffodils, Hydrangea, Lily of the valley, Foxglove, Mistletoe, Rhododendron, Narcissus, Rhubarb, Hellebores, Crocus, Bleeding heart, Ragwort, Azalea, Vinca, Hypericum, Peony, Lobelia, Aconite, Tobacco plant & Euphorbia’s.

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Can Sulcatas eat carrots?

Greens and vegetables: Vegetables should be about 10-15% of the diet. These can include: grated raw carrots, winter squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, broccoli, corn on the cob; greens such as collards, dandelions, escarole, romaine, kale.

Can sulcata tortoises eat brussel sprouts?

Brussel sprouts can also be eaten, in moderation. Also remember that variety is the key to feeding tortoises. Food should also include a source of Calcium and Vitamin D3, for healthy bones.

Can sulcata tortoise eat bell peppers?

Tortoises can eat bell peppers and have them as a part of a healthy and balanced diet. They are safe to eat and can be a great source of vitamins. … A captive tortoise’s diet typically consists of leafy greens, vegetables, fruit, protein, and commercial tortoise food.

Can tortoises eat lavender?

Safe ornamental plant which is fine planted in the tortoise enclosure and will do no harm if it is nibbled.

Can my sulcata tortoise eat aloe vera?

Although this plant is said to be toxic to cats, dogs and some other mammals, the Aloe is fine to feed to tortoises in moderation but if too much is fed it can have a slight laxative effect.

What cactus do tortoises eat?

Planting Prickly Pear Pads for Tortoises. The preferred species is a spineless cactus, Opuntiaficus-indica, grown commercially for pads and fruit. Tortoises eat pads, flowers, and fruit.

Can tortoises eat cucumber?

Food and Water A tortoise’s diet should replicate wild foraging. Choose a variety of leafy greens and grasses to feed your pet. Supplement greens with smaller quantities of broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, and carrots, apples, apricots, grapes, melons, peaches, and strawberries.

Can tortoise eat celery?

Many tortoises will eat foods that are not part of a healthy diet. … Do not feed tortoises frozen vegetables or sodium-rich foods including canned vegetables, dairy products, breads and celery.

Can tortoises eat daisy flowers?

The Daisy contains saponins and tannins and therefore should not be offered as part of a tortoise diet, although it won’t harm if a few are discovered in the enclosure and the tortoise takes a nibble. The Daisy is also cultivated as a garden flower.

Can sulcata tortoises eat mint leaves?

These are fine to plant in the tortoise enclosure and will do no harm if nibbled, although some tortoises will be put off by the strong aroma.

Can tortoises eat plumeria?

Family Name: Apocynaceae Frangipani produces a milky sap (similar to the Oleander, to which it is related) which is toxic to both humans and animals and can cause serious skin and eye irritations much like those caused by Euphorbias, so this is not one to feed to tortoises or have planted anywhere near their enclosure.

Are buttercups poisonous to tortoises?

As a lawn invader this plant is mildly toxic. Many tortoises nibble it occasionally with no ill effects but try and remove as much as possible as it contains the mild toxin protoanemonine and there is a reference to a tortoise dying after ingesting large quantities of Buttercup.

Can tortoises eat geranium leaves?

Tortoises love the flowers of all hardy geraniums. See Cranesbill Geranium. See Herb Robert. See Pelargonium.

Can tortoises eat chrysanthemums?

The stems and leaves of Chrysanthemums can cause severe allergic reactions in cats. … coccineum) contain high levels of Pyrethrins which are used to make an insecticide that can be harmful to reptiles, so you should not feed those species of Chrysanthemum to your tortoise.

Can my tortoise eat rose petals?

Rose petals, lavatera, and calendula are all fine (leaves and flowers are OK — although they might not eat rose leaves or calendula leaves — you’ll have to see). Other flowers (and leaves) you can give that are common in the garden are campanula, dandelion, abutilon hibiscus, pansies, and hardy geraniums.

Can tortoise eat parsley?

A Hermann’s tortoise’s diet consists of vegetation. Good foods include dandelion, clover, honeysuckle, leafy salads, watercress, curly kale, brussel tops, spring greens, coriander, parsley, rocket, carrot, parsnip, courgette and bell peppers. … The diet should also include fibrous plants like grasses and weeds.

Can tortoise eat hosta?

Plant NameHostaScientific NameHosta sp.Plant TypeCultivated PlantsEdible Partsleaves, flowers

Can tortoises eat camellia flowers?

Tortoises would probably avoid the Camellia because of the leathery leaves, although the occasional nibble of a flower petal would do no harm, but this is not one to offer as a regular part of the diet. Tea Plant (Camellia sinesis) is a close relative of the Camellia we grow in our gardens.

Can tortoises eat tomato leaves?

Mediterranean and Grazing tortoises should be fed tomatoes sparingly or none at all. Tortoises should not eat unripe tomatoes, leaves, or tomatoes’ vines since they are toxic. Tomatoes are a good way to offer medication to tortoises by hiding it inside.

Can Sulcatas eat cucumber?

Although sulcata will eat animal protein, it should be avoided as it will cause carapace deformity. … A lack of dietary fiber or roughage will lead to diarrhea as will feeding fruit which should be avoided. Cucumber, zucchini, red and green sweet peppers may also be included.

Can Sulcatas eat celery?

Can sulcata tortoises eat celery? The Sulcata tortoises are grazers that can also eat celery in moderation. Due to high levels of oxalates in celery and low nutrition, the Sulcata tortoises should have it sparingly to avoid calcium deficiencies.