1. The substrate is the main piece of furniture
These cockroaches naturally excavate substantial burrows and carry leaf litter underground. Captive care methods vary between breeders, but reputable Australian care guides consistently treat substrate, moisture and leaf litter as core husbandry elements rather than decorative extras.
2. Do not create a cave-in hazard
Because the animal digs, heavy rockwork should not simply sit on loose substrate. If you want a natural rock or root look, use lightweight pieces fixed to the wall or structures with a stable base that cannot be undermined.
3. Keep leaf litter easy to add and remove
Dry leaves are both food and part of the habitat. Design the surface so the keeper can replenish litter without removing a permanent landscape. A shallow retaining edge can keep the display tidy without locking the substrate in place.
4. Provide a moisture gradient, not a swamp
Australian care sheets commonly recommend substrate that is moist rather than waterlogged. The exact captive method can differ, so follow the breeder or specialist care guidance for your animals and use the enclosure design to support a controllable gradient rather than trapping water behind sealed scenery.
5. Low-profile scenery wins
For this species, a removable bark slab, surface shelter or subtle sidewall texture can be more useful than a tall rock backdrop. Preserve the digging volume and keep the upper display easy to service.