The green tree python is one of the most striking reptiles in the world and a favourite among snake enthusiasts. Known for its brilliant emerald colour and unique way of coiling along branches, this python is as fascinating to watch as it is to care for. Originating from the rainforests of New Guinea, Indonesia, and northern Australia, they thrive in lush, arboreal environments where humidity, heat, and vertical space all play a vital role in their survival.
Because of their beauty and distinctive behaviour, green tree pythons have become a highly sought-after species in the reptile-keeping community. Their vibrant green colour, paired with the stunning yellow or red hues that juveniles display before maturing, makes them a visual standout in any collection. Their arboreal nature also sets them apart from many other pythons, giving keepers the opportunity to recreate a slice of rainforest in their own home.
These snakes are admired not only for their looks but also for their calm, watchful presence when perched. For many reptile keepers, owning a green tree python feels like caring for a living piece of nature’s artwork. But keeping them healthy requires more than just admiration — it demands a proper habitat, the right heating and lighting, and a carefully managed diet. With the right setup, you can create an environment that not only keeps your snake safe but also allows it to display its natural behaviours every day.
Facts About the Green Tree Python
The green tree python (Morelia viridis) is a non-venomous snake that has captured the attention of reptile enthusiasts worldwide. Native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, eastern Indonesia, and the northern tip of Queensland, Australia, this species is perfectly adapted to life in the trees. Its muscular body and prehensile tail allow it to move confidently through branches, where it spends most of its life coiled gracefully on perches.
One of the most fascinating facts about the green tree python is its dramatic colour change as it matures. Juveniles are typically bright yellow, red, or even orange, gradually transforming into the iconic emerald green as they grow. This transformation often takes place within their first year and is a highlight for many keepers.
Adult green tree pythons generally reach lengths of 1.5–2 metres, with females often larger and more robust than males. Despite their striking appearance, they are not typically aggressive when left undisturbed, though they can be defensive if handled too often. Many keepers enjoy them as a display species, admired for their beauty and their calm, patient behaviour during the day.
In captivity, green tree pythons can live 15–20 years with proper care, making them a long-term commitment for reptile keepers. They are nocturnal hunters, relying on heat-sensing pits to locate prey in low light conditions. In the wild, their populations are stable, and they are listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, habitat destruction and illegal collection remain threats in some regions, making responsible and ethical reptile keeping especially important.
Habitat & Enclosure Setup
A well-designed enclosure is essential for keeping a green tree python healthy. These snakes are arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time off the ground, coiled on branches. To replicate this behaviour in captivity, the enclosure should prioritise height and vertical climbing space rather than floor area.
Enclosure Size & Design
While a minimum enclosure size of 90cm tall can be enough for a single adult green tree python, giving them more space allows for a healthier, more natural lifestyle. An ideal enclosure for an adult would be at least 120cm tall, 90cm wide, and 60cm deep, with larger setups always being better when possible. This extra height and width provide room for multiple perches, climbing routes, and decorations, which encourages the python to move around and display more of its natural behaviour.
If you’re housing a younger python, a smaller enclosure may be necessary at first to prevent stress and make feeding easier, but upgrading as the snake matures is highly recommended. Modular enclosures from Reptile One are an excellent choice, as they come in a variety of sizes and can be tailored with arboreal features. Front-opening designs also make maintenance and handling safer for both the keeper and the snake.
Providing a spacious enclosure also gives you more flexibility with heating and humidity control. A larger setup allows for a proper temperature gradient, with warmer basking zones at the top and cooler areas lower down. This makes it much easier for your green tree python to thermoregulate naturally, which is essential for its long-term health.
Branches & Perches
Provide multiple sturdy branches at different heights and angles. These should be thick enough for the snake to coil comfortably. Decorations from Reptile One can be added to create a natural look while also giving your python secure perching points. Come in store to have a look at all our pet safe perch options.
Substrate & Humidity
Humidity is vital for proper shedding and respiratory health. A moisture-retaining substrate like Reptile One coconut husk or bark chips helps maintain humidity levels while keeping the enclosure clean. Regular misting and the use of a hygrometer will ensure humidity stays between 50–70%.
Heating & Lighting
As tropical snakes, green tree pythons need a temperature gradient of 26–32°C. The basking area should be warmer, while cooler zones allow the snake to thermoregulate. Arcadia Solar Basking Infrared Heat Lamps provide efficient warmth, while Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamps deliver focused heat for basking spots. Both options are compatible with thermostats to maintain safe, consistent conditions. While UVB isn’t strictly essential, some keepers provide low-level UVB lighting to support natural behaviour.
Hides & Security
Although they are often visible perched in the open, green tree pythons still benefit from secure hiding areas. Adding reptile-safe plants and hides reduces stress and creates an enclosure that mimics their natural rainforest environment.
By combining the right enclosure, heating, and substrate, you’ll provide a habitat where your green tree python can thrive for years to come.
Feeding the Green Tree Python
The green tree python feeds exclusively on animal prey, like all snakes, but its diet and feeding routine are specialised to suit its arboreal lifestyle. In the wild, they ambush small mammals, birds, and reptiles from branches, striking quickly when prey passes below. In captivity, this is best replicated by offering frozen-thawed prey — never live — to ensure the safety of the snake and the welfare of the feeder animal. Live prey can injure a python if it isn’t eaten immediately, making frozen-thawed the responsible choice.
Feeding Frequency
Juveniles: Every 5–7 days with smaller prey such as fuzzy mice.
Sub-adults: Every 7–10 days with larger mice or small rats.
Adults: Every 10–14 days with medium rats, quail, or rabbits for larger specimens (rabbits subject to availability).
Feeder Options
At Toni’s Pet Station, we stock a full range of frozen feeders — mice, rats, quail, and rabbits — so you can always provide prey that matches the size and age of your python.
Nutritional Notes
Offering variety is important. While rats and mice are staple feeders, supplementing with quail or (for larger snakes) rabbits provides different nutrient profiles and helps mimic the diversity of their natural diet. Overfeeding should also be avoided, as green tree pythons are prone to obesity in captivity if fed too often or given prey that is too large. A healthy python should have a muscular but not overly thick body, with no visible bulges between meals.
Feeding Tips
Thaw prey fully before feeding, using warm (not hot) water to bring it to body temperature.
Use feeding tongs to encourage natural strike behaviour and reduce the risk of accidental bites.
Feed in the evening or at night, when your python is most active and more likely to respond.
With the right routine and prey choices, your green tree python will stay strong, healthy, and display natural feeding behaviours.
Health & Handling
A green tree python can live a long and healthy life if its enclosure, diet, and environment are properly managed. However, like all reptiles, they are prone to certain health issues if conditions are not kept consistent. One of the most common problems is respiratory infection, often caused by low temperatures or humidity that is too high or too low. Signs include wheezing, open-mouth breathing, or mucus around the mouth and nostrils. Another issue to watch for is retained shed, which usually indicates humidity is not sufficient or the enclosure lacks proper perches and textured surfaces.
When it comes to handling, green tree pythons should be approached with care. They are best considered a display species, admired for their striking appearance rather than frequent interaction. Excessive handling can cause stress, which may impact feeding and overall health. If handling is necessary — for enclosure cleaning or veterinary checks — it should be done gently, with support for the snake’s body, and ideally using a snake hook to avoid startling them.
Common Health Mistakes to Avoid
Incorrect Temperatures: Allowing the enclosure to drop too cool or overheat can cause stress and respiratory illness. Always monitor with a thermostat.
Poor Humidity Control: Low humidity often leads to incomplete sheds, while constant high humidity may trigger fungal or respiratory issues. Aim for balance.
Overfeeding: Green tree pythons can become obese if given prey that is too large or too frequent. Stick to an appropriate feeding schedule.
Handling Too Often: These snakes are easily stressed by excessive handling, which can weaken their immune system and disrupt feeding habits.
Ignoring Substrate Hygiene: Dirty substrate can harbour bacteria and lead to skin infections. Spot-clean regularly and replace substrate as needed.
Regular observation, proper enclosure hygiene, and annual veterinary checks are the best ways to keep your green tree python in top condition for years to come.
Enrichment & Stimulation
Even though the green tree python is less active than many other snakes, enrichment still plays an important role in its wellbeing. A well-thought-out enclosure gives your snake opportunities to explore, climb, and choose different resting spots, which helps reduce stress and supports natural behaviours.
Perches & Climbing Structures
Adding multiple branches at different heights and angles encourages movement. Replace or rearrange them occasionally to give the snake a fresh environment to investigate.
Foliage & Cover
Artificial plants, vines, and hides provide security and mimic their rainforest habitat. Products from Reptile One make it easy to create a naturalistic look while still being practical to clean and maintain.
Environmental Variation
Introducing changes such as misting at different times of the day, adjusting lighting cycles seasonally, or slightly shifting perch positions adds variety without causing stress.
Feeding Enrichment
Using tongs to present prey in slightly different positions or offering a mix of prey types (mice, rats, quail, rabbits subject to availability) keeps feeding natural and engaging.
By focusing on enrichment, keepers can ensure their green tree python not only survives but thrives in captivity — displaying the same patience and elegance it would in the wild.
The green tree python is one of the most captivating reptiles you can keep, but its beauty comes with specific care requirements. From tall enclosures filled with secure perches to carefully managed heat, humidity, and feeding routines, every detail of their habitat matters. With the right setup, these snakes will thrive in captivity, displaying the same elegance and striking presence they are known for in the wild.
At Toni’s Pet Station, we stock everything you need to support your green tree python, including Arcadia Solar Basking Infrared and Halogen Heat Lamps, Reptile One enclosures, substrates, and decorations, and a full range of frozen mice, rats, quail, and rabbits (subject to availability). Visit us in Ningi to create the perfect habitat for your snake and shop with confidence knowing you have expert supplies and advice close to home.