Leaf-Tailed Gecko Humidity Requirements

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Uroplatus geckos have thin skin, so they dehydrate easily and do not handle heat stress well. Paying attention to leaf-tailed gecko humidity, then, is critical for preserving these species’ health. Most Uroplatus do well between 60-80% humidity, but certain species prefer more or less moisture:

fimbriatus: 60-70% day, 75-85% night
henkeli: 60% day, 80% night
aff. henkeli: 60% day, 80% night
sameiti: 60% day, 80% night
sikorae: 70-75% day, 80-85% night
aff. sikorae: 70-75% day, 80-85% night
giganteus: 60% day, 80% night
ebenaui: 60% day, 80% night
phantasticus: 75-80% day, 90-100% night
fiera: 60% day, 80% night
finiavana: 60% day, 80% night
fotsivava: No data
kelirambo: No data
malama: No data
pietschmanni: 60% day, 80% night
alluaudi: 60% day, 80% night
malahelo: No data
guentheri: 60% day, 80% night
lineatus: 70% day, 80% night

**Note: U. phantasticus is particularly susceptible to dehydration, so proper humidity is imperative to keeping them alive.**

You’ve probably noticed that I have generally recommended drier conditions during the day than at night. This follows natural humidity cycles, which thereby helps inhibit mold growth and helps support the geckos’ respiratory health. I keep track of my terrarium’s humidity cycle with the Zoo Med Digital Thermometer and Hygrometer.

For more sensitive leaf-tailed gecko humidity requirements (ex: U. phantasticus) an automated misting system is recommended. This is not to be confused with a fogger; misters create water droplets on leaves and terrarium walls that geckos can drink from, while foggers simply raise ambient humidity without creating water droplets.

Automated misting systems like the Mistking Starter are particularly recommended for screen enclosures, as these dry out more easily. If you choose to automate, the cycle that seems to work best is letting the enclosure dry to 60-70% (or lowest point) in the afternoon, followed by a heavy mist to 85-90% (or highest point) in the evening.

If you can’t afford or would rather not invest in an automated mister, pressure sprayers like the Exo Terra Spray Bottle work well as a manual solution — although they are a little more work. Use lukewarm or warm water (never hot) for misting, as cold water tends to shock them and can cause undue stress. Spray in the morning, evening, and during the day if needed. Do not soak the substrate when misting, as this encourages mold and bacterial growth.

Installing a magnetic feeding ledge on one of the enclosure walls with a small condiment cup of water is a good way to make sure that your leaf-tailed gecko always has access to water. You can get one here.

Do not use distilled, softened, or even filtered water! Tap water (assuming that it’s safe for humans to drink) contains minerals vital to your gecko’s health. Yes, this means you’ll have to clean up water spots, but it’s worth it. Here’s why.

PRO TIP: You will know that your humidity is correct when your gecko sheds in one piece no extra pieces left clinging in the morning) and does not appear dehydrated (sunken eyes, drooping tail).

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