🐍 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.

1. Enclosure

Size:

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

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

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

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:

Provide:

  • 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

GTPs perch in the classic "coil on a branch" posture, so sturdy branches are essential.

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

2. Temperature & Lighting

Temperatures:

  • Warm Perch: 86–88°F

  • Cool Perch/Ambient: 78–82°F

  • Night: 72–75°F

They thermoregulate by moving between perches, not ground surfaces.

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:

  • 12-hour day/night cycle

  • UVB is optional, but low-level UVB (2.0 or 5.0) improves natural behavior and overall health

  • Ensure snake cannot touch bulbs

3. Humidity & Water

Humidity:

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

Maintain humidity using:

  • Daily or every-other-day misting

  • Live plants

  • Humid hides

  • Moist substrate layers

Water:

  • Provide a large water bowl

  • Change daily or when dirty

  • Ensures proper hydration and assists with humidity

4. Diet

Green tree pythons are strict carnivores that feed exclusively on animals.

Feeding Schedule:

  • Hatchlings/Juveniles: Every 5–7 days

  • Subadults: Every 7–10 days

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

Prey Type:

  • Appropriately sized mice or rats

  • 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 without issue

5. 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

6. 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

Vet Care:

Seek an experienced reptile vet if symptoms appear. Early treatment improves outcomes.

Final Notes

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.