Green Tree Frog Care Guide: Habitat, Diet & Temperatures

Green Tree Frogs (Hyla cinerea) are native to the southeastern United States and are especially common in Florida, where they thrive in warm, humid environments. With their vibrant green coloring, golden eye stripes, and soothing nighttime calls, they make excellent pets for amphibian enthusiasts of all experience levels.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to refine your care practices, this guide will walk you through the essential elements of keeping your green tree frog happy and healthy — including habitat setup, temperature and humidity control, diet, and general care tips.

Habitat: Setting Up a Comfortable, Natural Environment

Creating a naturalistic enclosure helps reduce stress and encourages healthy behavior like climbing, hiding, and hunting.

✔️ Tank Size & Orientation

Green tree frogs are arboreal, meaning they love to climb. A vertically oriented terrarium is better than a wide one.

• For 1–2 frogs: A 12" x 12" x 18" tank (around 10–15 gallons) is sufficient.
• For 3–4 frogs: A 18" x 18" x 24" tank (20–30 gallons) provides more vertical space.

Make sure the tank has a secure screen lid — these frogs are escape artists!

✔️ Substrate & Drainage

Maintain humidity and cleanliness with a substrate that retains moisture:

• Coconut coir (Eco Earth)
• Sphagnum moss
• Leaf litter
• ABG mix (for bioactive setups)

Drainage layer tip: Add clay balls or gravel beneath the substrate to prevent water from stagnating. A mesh layer on top of the drainage can keep the substrate clean.

✔️ Plants & Decor

Natural decor makes your frog feel at home and allows it to express natural behavior.

• Live plants: Pothos, bromeliads, ferns, and philodendron work well.
• Artificial vines: Easy to clean and provide great climbing options.
• Hides: Bark, coconut huts, and broad leaves create shelter.
• Branches & driftwood: Offer vertical climbing surfaces.

A well-decorated tank also helps maintain humidity and enriches the frog’s environment.

Lighting & Day/Night Cycle

While green tree frogs are nocturnal, they still benefit from a natural day/night cycle. A 12-hour light/dark cycle encourages normal activity and hormone production.

✔️ Lighting Tips

• UVB is optional but beneficial in low doses (use 2.0–5.0 UVB if included).
• Use a timer to automate your light cycle.
• LED grow lights can support live plants if you're using a bioactive setup.

Avoid overly bright or intense lights, as green tree frogs are shy and prefer dim or dappled lighting.

Temperature & Humidity

Mimicking Florida’s subtropical climate is key to your frog’s long-term health.

✔️ Ideal Temperature Range

Time	Temperature Range
Daytime	75°F – 85°F
Nighttime	68°F – 75°F

Use a digital thermometer to monitor temps. A ceramic heat emitter or heat mat (on the side or under part of the tank) can help maintain consistent warmth in colder environments.

✔️ Humidity Requirements

Green tree frogs need 50%–70% humidity, with occasional spikes up to 80% after misting.

• Mist the enclosure once or twice daily with dechlorinated or spring water.
• Install a hygrometer to monitor levels.
• Ensure proper ventilation to avoid stagnant air and mold growth.

For very dry climates or air-conditioned rooms, consider a fogger or automatic misting system.

Diet: Feeding Your Frog for Optimal Health

Green tree frogs are insectivores and require a varied diet of appropriately sized live insects.

✔️ Insect Options

• Crickets (main staple)
• Dubia roaches (nutritious and low-maintenance)
• Fruit flies (ideal for juveniles)
• Waxworms, mealworms, hornworms (use sparingly as treats)

Avoid feeding insects that are too large — a good rule is to match the size of the insect to the width of your frog’s head.

✔️ Feeding Schedule

• Juveniles: Feed daily (4–6 small insects)
• Adults: Feed every 2–3 days (3–5 medium insects)

Remove uneaten food within a few hours to keep the tank clean.

✔️ Supplementation

Dust insects before feeding:

• Calcium without D3: 2–3 times per week
• Calcium with D3: Once per week
• Multivitamin: Once every 1–2 weeks

Gut-load all feeder insects with fresh fruits, vegetables, or commercial gut-loading formulas 24 hours before feeding to boost nutrition.

Water & Hydration

Green tree frogs absorb water through their skin, not by drinking directly. Maintaining access to clean water is essential.

• Provide a shallow water dish that’s easy to enter and exit.
• Use dechlorinated, reverse osmosis, or spring water — never tap water unless treated.
• Change the water daily to avoid bacterial buildup.

Also mist the enclosure regularly to maintain humidity and hydration.

Common Health Issues

Knowing what to look out for can help you spot problems early:

Symptom	Possible Cause
Lethargy or hiding more	Stress, low temps, illness
Refusal to eat	Improper husbandry or stress
Shedding problems	Low humidity
Skin discoloration	Stress, infection, or poor water quality
Swollen joints or limbs	Vitamin imbalance or bacterial infection

Always consult a veterinarian who specializes in amphibians if symptoms persist or worsen.

Handling & Hygiene

Green tree frogs have permeable skin, so handling should be minimal.

• Avoid frequent handling — it can cause stress or skin damage.
• Always wash hands before and after contact to avoid transferring oils or chemicals.
• If you must handle your frog, use clean, wet hands or soft gloves.

Fun Facts About Green Tree Frogs

• Green tree frogs are Florida’s state amphibian!
• They can change color from bright green to brown depending on mood and environment.
• Their loud, barking calls are a sign of health and courtship.
• In captivity, they can live up to 6–10 years with proper care.

✅ Final Tips for Success

• Avoid housing green tree frogs with other species — they can be stressed or outcompeted.
• Maintain clean conditions and stable humidity/temperature.
• Introduce new frogs only after a quarantine period of 30 days to prevent disease spread.
• Monitor weight and feeding response weekly.

🛒 Ready to Get Started?

At LiveAquaponics, we offer healthy, captive-bred green tree frogs shipped nationwide with a live arrival guarantee. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced keeper, we provide expert support and high-quality animals raised with care.