Download Care Guide (PDF)

You can download a printable version of our full Leaf Insect Care Guide using the link below:

Download Care Guide (PDF)

Leaf Insect Care Guide

This care guide is designed for anyone keeping Leaf Insects in the UK and covers everything you need to keep your leaf insects healthy, happy, and thriving in the UK.

Species Overview

• Common species: Phyllium philippinicum
• Lifespan: 6–10 months
• Temperament: Gentle, slow-moving
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

Enclosure Requirements

Leaf insects need tall enclosures with good airflow.

• Nymphs: 20 × 20 × 30 cm
• Adults: 30 × 30 × 45 cm
• Use mesh lids or side ventilation panels
• Substrates: kitchen roll, coco fibre, orchid bark, or sphagnum moss

Temperature & Humidity

• Temperature: 22–26°C (UK homes usually fine)
• Humidity: 60–80%
• Mist lightly once per day

Food Plants

Safe UK plants:

• Bramble (blackberry)
• Raspberry leaves
• Rose leaves
• Hawthorn
• Oak (young leaves)

Replace leaves every 3–5 days and wash them before use.

Egg Care

• Temperature: 22–26°C
• Humidity: 60–70%
• Do not bury eggs — keep them on the surface
• Hatching time: 4–6 months (sometimes up to 8)

Nymph Care

• Provide lots of climbing branches
• Humidity: 70–80%
• Offer young, soft leaves
• Ensure they can hang freely to moult

Adult Care

• Mist once daily
• Replace food every few days
• Handle gently — they are fragile

Common Problems

• Mould: Increase ventilation
• Failed moults: Add vertical branches and maintain humidity
• Not eating: Switch to bramble

Quick Reference

• Temp: 22–26°C
• Humidity: 60–80%
• Food: Bramble, rose, raspberry
• Mist: Daily
• Eggs: 4–6 months to hatch