🐍 General Info

Green Tree Pythons (Morelia viridis) are arboreal pythons native to New Guinea, Indonesia, and Northern Australia. They are famous for their striking colors—juveniles hatch in yellow, red, or orange, later transitioning to vibrant adult greens, blues, or mixed patterns depending on locality (Biak, Aru, Sorong, Jayapura, etc.).

GTPs are primarily display animals. They spend most of their lives perched in trees and are known for being defensive when disturbed. They are not typically a handling-focused species but thrive in a well-set-up environment.

Adults typically reach 4–6 feet, with males often more slender and females more robust. With proper care, green tree pythons live 15–20+ years in captivity.

Enclosure

  • Size:

    • Juveniles: 18" x 18" x 24" or similar

    • Adults: 24" x 24" x 24" minimum (taller is better)

    • Large Adults: 36" x 24" x 24" ideal

  • Note: Because they are arboreal, height + climbing structure matters more than floor space.

  • Material:

    • PVC or plastic front-opening enclosures (best for humidity)

    • Glass tanks can work but require more humidity control

    • Must be secure—GTPs are strong and can push on doors

  • Décor:

    • Multiple horizontal perches of various diameters (1–2")

    • Dense foliage (live or fake) for security

    • A couple of partial or visual hides (plants, branches)

    • A spacious water bowl for drinking and humidity

  • Note: Green Tree Pythons will coil over and lay on the branches you provide, it is essential that you ensure all the decor is secure so they will not fall leading to injury for your animal.

  • Substrate:

    • Cypress mulch

    • Coconut husk or chips

    • Sphagnum moss (mixed in)

    • Bioactive substrate works extremely well

    • Paper substrate is possible but not ideal for humidity

Temperature & Lighting

  • Temperatures:

  • Warm Perch: 86–88°F

  • Cool Perch/Ambient: 78–82°F

  • Night: 72–75°F.

  • Heating:

    • Radiant heat panels (best for arboreal snakes)

    • Ceramic heat emitters or overhead heating

    • Heat mats are not useful for this species

    • Always use a thermostat to avoid burns

  • Lighting:

    • UVB is not necessary, but low-level UVB (2.0 or 5.0) improves natural behavior and overall health

    • Provide a 12-hour day/night cycle

Humidity & Water

  • Humidity: 55–70% normally, with 80–90% spikes during shedding.

    • Maintain humidity with misting

    • Live plants and humid hides

    • Moist substrate but not swampy as it can lead to mold.

  • Water:

    • Provide a large water bowl

    • Change daily or when dirty

    • Ensures proper hydration and assists with humidity

Diet

  • Type: Green tree pythons are strict carnivores that feed mostly on rodents in captivity.

  • Feeding Schedule:

    • Hatchlings/Juveniles: Every 5–7 days

    • Subadults: Every 7–10 days

    • Adults: Every 10–14 days, depending on body condition

  • Staple Food:

    • Appropriately sized mice or rats

    • Some keepers will feed small birds like quails

    • Prey should be no wider than the thickest part of the snake

  • Notes:

    • Avoid oversized prey—GTPs can become overweight easily

    • Avoid feeding live unless absolutely necessary

    • Most accept frozen-thawed prey without issue

Behavior & Handling

  • Temperament:

    • Green tree pythons tend to be defensive, especially when perched

    • They are nocturnal and more active at night

    • Best kept as display animals rather than frequent handlers

  • Handling:

    • Use a snake hook to gently move them off perches

    • Once uncoiled, they often calm down significantly

    • Keep sessions short and calm

    • Avoid handling during shed or after feeding

  • Enrichment:

    • Varied branches

    • Dense foliage for hiding

    • Occasional rearrangement of décor

    • Multiple perch heights to support natural behaviors

Health & Lifespan

  • Lifespan: 15–20+ years with proper care

  • Common Health Issues:

    • Respiratory infections (usually from improper temperature/humidity)

    • Mouth rot (stomatitis)

    • Obesity from overfeeding

    • Scale rot from overly wet substrate

    • Stress-related food refusal

  • Signs of Illness:

    • Wheezing or clicking noises

    • Frequent open-mouth breathing

    • Bubbles or mucus around nostrils

    • Failure to perch normally

    • Refusal to eat for extended periods (outside natural cycling)

    • Stuck shed/retained eye caps

  • Veterinary Care: Professional veterinary care should always be consulted when you think your pet may have an issue. Watch for signs of illness, catching an issue early on goes a long way.

Final Thoughts:

Green tree pythons are stunning, iconic display snakes prized for their colors and unique perching behavior. While not beginner-friendly, they thrive with proper humidity, stable temperatures, secure perches, and minimal stress. With patience and a well-designed enclosure, GTPs can be healthy, reliable feeders and absolutely beautiful long-term pets.