A full-spectrum reptile light should be provided. A separate basking light is unneeded as this species does not appear seek out the warmth of a basking light, but is more inclined to sun itself in cool conditions. It is important to maintain high humidity as dry air conditions can lead to eye and respiratory infections. This can be accomplished by misting the sphagnum moss and watering the plants in the vivarium daily. Diet in the wild has not been studied.
Captives do well on an omnivorous diet that leans toward carnivory.
Reluctant eaters can usually be tempted with earthworms and slugs. To assure that the turtle gets necessary vitamins and minerals, use a reptile supplement that includes vitamin D3 and calcium. Powdered supplements can easily be mixed into canned cat or dog food. Cuttlebone may also be left in the vivarium to provide plenty of calcium, as needed. Spengleri turtles were apparently not seen in the west until 1961, when several were brought to a zoo in East Berlin from North Vietnam.