Best Terrarium Bedding of 2026

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 15, 2026

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Terrarium bedding is a must-have for any pet owner looking to create a comfortable and safe environment for their small pets. This natural substrate is made from a blend of coconut coir, sphagnum moss, and other natural materials, providing a soft and absorbent surface for burrowing and nesting. Not only does it help maintain proper humidity levels, but it also aids in the digestion of food and helps prevent impaction in reptiles. Terrarium bedding is an excellent choice for reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, and is available in a variety of sizes to suit any enclosure.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Fluker's Cypress Bedding 5 QT Cover #TOP 1
Fluker's Cypress Bedding 5 QT
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding Cover #TOP 2
Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Zilla Pet Reptile Terrarium Substrate Bedding Cover #TOP 3
Zilla Pet Reptile Terrarium Substrate Bedding
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Terrarium Bedding

#TOP 1

Fluker's Cypress Bedding 5 QT

36010
Black
Fluker's Cypress Bedding 5 QT Cover
Fluker's Premium Tropical Cypress Bedding for Reptiles, 5 QT

Fluker's Cypress Bedding is a high-quality substrate designed for reptiles like frogs, snakes, and lizards. This premium cypress mulch is finely processed to ensure a comfortable environment for your pets. Whether you have a tropical or desert habitat, this bedding adapts well to both conditions. You can easily maintain humidity levels by misting it lightly for tropical setups, while for desert environments, keeping it dry is effortless. This versatility makes it a great choice for reptile enthusiasts looking to create the ideal living space.

What We Like
Excellent humidity retention
Soft and comfortable texture
Low dust and easy maintenance
Natural appearance
Odor control
What We Don't Like
Mild scent upon opening
Occasional dryness
#TOP 2

Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding

RB-8
multi
8 qt (Pack of 1)
Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding Cover
Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding, 8 Quarts

Zoo Med Reptile Bark Fir Bedding is an all-natural, green product that is perfect for your terrarium. This bedding is absorbent and can last up to one year, making it a practical choice for any reptile owner. Additionally, this bedding is reusable, making it an eco-friendly option for those who care about the environment.

What We Like
Clean and dust-free
Maintains humidity well
Good for reptiles and plants
Natural, high-quality bark
Easy to use and clean
What We Don't Like
Slightly rough texture for some snakes
#TOP 3

Zilla Pet Reptile Terrarium Substrate Bedding

100111891
Brown
One size
Zilla Pet Reptile Terrarium Substrate Bedding Cover
Zilla Coconut Husk Brick, Organic Bedding for Reptiles, Made with 100% Coconut Fiber, Ideal for Tropical Habitats and Egg Incubation

Zilla Terrarium Bedding is a 100% organic substrate made from coconut fiber, designed specifically for reptiles such as chameleons, rainforest geckos, frogs, and toads. This bedding is perfect for maintaining the ideal moisture levels in your pet's terrarium, as it holds moisture effectively. It is also great for egg incubation, providing a safe and gentle environment for fragile eggs. With Zilla Terrarium Bedding, you can ensure that your reptile's habitat is comfortable and conducive to their natural needs. Its organic composition and moisture-holding capability make it an ideal choice for reptile owners looking for a reliable and convenient substrate option.

What We Like
Excellent moisture retention
Large expansion volume
Soft, fine texture
Great value for price
Safe for various animals
What We Don't Like
Messy hydration process
Clumps may need breaking up
#TOP 4

Fluker's Coconut Fiber Bedding 5QT

37002
Fluker's Coconut Fiber Bedding 5QT Cover
Fluker's Loose Coconut Fiber Bedding for Reptiles and Arachnids, 5QT

Fluker's Coconut Bedding is crafted from natural coconut husks, making it an excellent choice for your pets. This bedding helps maintain the right humidity levels, crucial for the health of tropical reptiles. It effectively absorbs moisture, ensuring your pet's habitat remains clean and hygienic. Additionally, its versatility allows it to accommodate various animals, including frogs, lizards, and turtles. With this bedding, you can also provide an ideal environment for egg laying and incubation, promoting healthy development for your pet's eggs.

What We Like
Natural and safe substrate
Excellent moisture retention
Great for burrowing pets
Odor control
Easy to clean and use
What We Don't Like
Bag size confusion
Crickets can hide easily
#TOP 5

Galápagos Terrarium Green Sphagnum Moss 4 Quart

05213
Green
4 QT
Galápagos Terrarium Green Sphagnum Moss 4 Quart Cover
Galápagos (05213) Terrarium Green Sphagnum Moss, Natural, 4 Quart

The Galápagos Sphagnum Moss is an excellent choice for creating a comfortable habitat for your amphibians and reptiles. Its long fibers help maintain the right humidity levels, essential for tropical and wetland terrariums. The moss is thoroughly cleaned to ensure it is free from dust and particles, promoting healthy shedding for your geckos, lizards, frogs, and snakes. Additionally, this moss is sustainably sourced, ensuring that your choice is environmentally friendly. Whether you are designing a terrarium or enhancing your garden, this natural moss adds a touch of elegance to any space.

What We Like
Maintains high humidity
Natural look and vibrant color
Comfortable for reptiles
Clean and odorless
Moisture retention
What We Don't Like
May develop minor mold spots
Some green dye present
#TOP 6

Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding 4qt

Black
4 Quarts
Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding 4qt Cover
Zoo Med Forest Floor Bedding, 4qt

The Zoo Med Forest Bedding is a great choice for creating a natural habitat in your terrarium. It works well for a variety of reptiles and amphibians, including snakes, lizards, turtles, and frogs, giving you a versatile substrate option. This bedding helps you recreate a forest floor look, making your enclosure more attractive and realistic. It also holds moisture effectively, which helps maintain the right humidity levels for your pets, keeping them comfortable and healthy. If you want a natural and practical bedding option, the Zoo Med Forest Bedding offers both style and function for your terrarium setup.

What We Like
Excellent humidity retention
Natural appearance
Easy to clean
Low dust
Affordable compared to pet stores
What We Don't Like
Occasional large bark pieces
Hard to spot waste
#TOP 7

Galápagos Aspen Digs Bedding

05064
Natural
8 quarts
Galápagos Aspen Digs Bedding Cover
Galápagos (05064) Aspen Digs Shavings Bedding, 8-Quart, Natural

The Galápagos Aspen Bedding offers a range of benefits for your terrarium. Its high absorbency effectively manages humidity and helps eliminate unpleasant odors, creating a comfortable environment for your pets. Made from sustainable timber by-products, this bedding is an eco-friendly choice. It’s designed to be diggable, making it ideal for burrowing snakes, lizards, and rodents, allowing them to engage in natural behaviors. Additionally, this product is completely safe, as it is free from harmful chemicals and parasites, ensuring your pets' health and well-being.

What We Like
Great for burrowing animals
Soft and lightweight texture
Minimal dust
Absorbent and easy to use
Good price for quantity
What We Don't Like
Slightly dusty
Not ideal for hamster burrows
#TOP 8

Zilla Pet Reptile Terrarium Substrate Bedding

100111301
Brown
8-Quart
Zilla Pet Reptile Terrarium Substrate Bedding Cover
Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Bark Blend, 8 Quart

Zilla Pet Reptile Terrarium Substrate Bedding is a 100% organic bark blend that promotes heat and moisture transfer inside the enclosure. The substrate bedding is oven-dried to eliminate pests and the ideal bedding depth is 1 to 2-inches. The product is suitable for a variety of reptiles, including chameleons, frogs, snakes, skinks, and rainforest geckos.

What We Like
Great for reptiles and plants
No pests or mites
Keeps moisture well
Good value for the price
Variety of bark sizes
What We Don't Like
Some pieces are large sticks
Rare fungus growth on soil
#TOP 9

Hamiledyi Vermiculite Reptile Bedding 2L

Brown
S-2L
Hamiledyi Vermiculite Reptile Bedding 2L Cover
Hamiledyi Reptile Substrate Vermiculite Bedding Snake Hibernant moisturizing Soil Terrarium Bedding for Snake Tortoise Lizard Hatching Eggs(2.1Quart/2L)

The Hamiledyi Vermiculite Bedding is made from natural, non-toxic vermiculite, ensuring a safe and odorless environment for your reptiles. Its excellent moisture retention helps maintain humidity, preventing dehydration during hibernation. This bedding also absorbs water well and keeps heat, making it ideal for incubating eggs by providing a warm and breathable environment. Additionally, it mimics the natural habitat of reptiles, offering them a comfortable and insulated space. Whether you're caring for snakes, tortoises, or lizards, this bedding supports their health and comfort effectively.

What We Like
Natural, non-toxic material
Excellent moisture retention
Strong water absorption
Good heat insulation
Breathable and comfortable
What We Don't Like
Half-full bags
Appearance like small pebbles
#TOP 10

Zilla Reptile Terrarium Liner 30G Green

100111485
Green
11.75" x 35.5"
Zilla Reptile Terrarium Liner 30G Green Cover
Zilla Reptile Terrarium Bedding Substrate Floor Liner, Green, 30G, 11.75" x 35.5"

The Zilla Reptile Liner Green is a great choice if you want an easy-to-maintain habitat for your pet reptile. It cleans up quickly—just rinse it with cold water to reuse, saving you time and effort. The liner also helps cut down on odors thanks to a special enzyme treatment, keeping your reptile’s home smelling fresh and healthy. It’s designed with safety in mind, so your reptile won’t accidentally eat any bedding during feeding, making it a smart alternative to loose substrates. Plus, the surface is soft and absorbent, providing a comfortable space for your reptile to rest and move around.

What We Like
Easy cleaning and maintenance
Healthier than loose substrates
Customizable fit for tanks
Multiple size options
Reusable and washable
What We Don't Like
Sizing may require trimming
Occasional snagging on teeth or nails
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best reptile bedding?

One of the best substrates available for your pet reptile or amphibian is Zilla's Jungle Mix. This natural dirt substrate is made from Sphagnum Peat Moss AND Douglas Fir shavings. This combination of natural materials allows for incredible moisture retention, drainage, and aeration.

2. What is reptile bedding?

Reptile Bedding and Substrate Substrates such as coconut fiber and forest floor are great at holding humidity for tropical species, whereas sand and walnut based substrates will be more appropriate for your desert dwelling dragons.

3. What do you put on the bottom of a lizard cage?

Suitable substrates include newspaper, certain types of sand, wood/bark chips, soil and/or peat moss, plastic turf and indoor/outdoor carpet.

Editor's Notes

During our terrarium bedding research, we found 24 terrarium bedding products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 125,748 customer reviews through our big data system to write the terrarium bedding list. We found that most customers choose terrarium bedding with an average price of $12.74.

The terrarium bedding are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of terrarium bedding, including Fluker's, Zoo Med, Zilla, Galapagos, Hamiledyi. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.

Terrarium Bedding Comparison Table

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Brand Fluker's Zoo Med Zilla Fluker's Galapagos Zoo Med Galapagos Zilla Hamiledyi Zilla
Item Weight 1.76 pounds 4.25 pounds 1.3 pounds 1.08 pounds 2.64 ounces 1.95 pounds 1.1 pounds 3.2 pounds 12.8 ounces 4.8 ounces
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H 9.76 x 6.77 x 6.57 inches 17.48 x 11.22 x 4.13 inches 8.11 x 3.98 x 2.24 inches 14.88 x 8.82 x 3.03 inches - 12.64 x 9.29 x 3.11 inches 11.57 x 9.45 x 3.23 inches 16.65 x 11.3 x 4.61 inches 8.9 x 6.5 x 2.1 inches 13.11 x 2.56 x 2.52 inches
Brand Name Fluker's Zoo Med Zilla Fluker's - Zoo Med Galapagos Zilla Hamiledyi Zilla
Target Audience Keyword dogs, reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles amphibians, reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles arachnids^arthropods^bats-animals^bearded-dragons^bees^beetles^butterflies^crabs^dragonflies^frogs^geckos^hermit-crabs^iguanas^insects^ladybugs^lizards^newts^reptiles^salamanders^snakes^spiders^tortoises^turtles, reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles - horses, reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles reptile-and-amphibian-pets, reptiles arachnids^arthropods^bearded-dragons^crabs^frogs^geckos^hermit-crabs^iguanas^lizards^newts^reptiles^salamanders^snakes^spiders^tortoises^turtles reptile-and-amphibian-pets fish, reptiles
Size 10 Pound (Pack of 1) 8 qt (Pack of 1) One size 10 Pound (Pack of 1) - 4 Quarts 8 quarts 8-Quart S-2L 11.75" x 35.5"
Age Range Description All Life Stages all stages All Life Stages All Life Stages - all stages All Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages All Life Stages
Item Dimensions LxWxH 14 x 4 x 10 inches 15 x 8.7 x 5.2 inches 8 x 2 x 4 inches 14 x 4 x 10 inches - 11.8 x 7.7 x 3.7 inches 5 x 13.5 x 14 inches 19 x 11.5 x 3.2 inches - 2.7 x 13.2 x 2.7 inches
Color Black multi Brown - - Black Natural Brown Brown Green
Specific Uses for Product Active Active Egg incubation for reptile or bird breeding/hatching Active - Indoor Snake Bedding Indoor Reptile bedding -
Directions See Directions on Label Soak in hot water to freshen every 2-3 months, replace yearly For use in tropical and bioactive terrariums, ideal for amphibians, arachnids, tropical geckos and many others. Store in a room temperate, dry place. To use Fluker's Loose Coconut Fiber Bedding, simply spread the bedding evenly throughout your pet's terrarium. The all-natural coconut husk material will help maintain proper humidity levels and absorb moisture with little decay. Clean the bedding regularly by removing any soiled areas and replacing them with fresh Fluker's Loose Coconut Fiber Bedding as needed. The versatile bedding is suitable for a range of pets, including frogs, toads, tortoises, box turtles, forest dwelling lizards and snakes, and invertebrates. It's also a great medium for egg laying and incubation. And once you're done with it, Fluker's Loose Coconut Fiber Bedding can be safely composted in your garden or potted plant. - Open the bag and fluff the bedding to separate any compressed pieces. - Promotes natural burrowing and halps retain humifdity for use in a wide range of tropical, semi-tropical and temperate terrariums.. Store in a room temperate, dry place. - Easy to clean with cold tap water. Cut to size as needed.
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.1
ftb score rating icon 9.0
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