The Southern Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis) is one of the most visually striking reptiles in captivity. Adults are vivid green with a white and yellow dorsal stripe, and they spend almost their entire lives coiled in a characteristic saddle position on horizontal perches. This is not a handling snake. It is a display species kept for its extraordinary appearance and its fascinating natural behaviour. Adults typically reach 1.2 to 1.8 metres and can live 15 to 20 years or more.
A wildlife keeper's licence is required in Queensland. See our Queensland Reptile Licence Guide before purchasing. Given this species' specific requirements, we recommend prior experience with pythons before taking one on.
Before You Set Up
This species requires a stable, carefully controlled environment. Have the enclosure running with verified temperature and humidity readings for at least 24 to 48 hours before the snake arrives. Instability in either parameter is the primary cause of health problems in Green Tree Pythons.
Enclosure
Height is the priority for a species that never willingly descends to the floor. Front-opening glass or PVC enclosures with good top and side ventilation are ideal.
- Juveniles: around 45 x 45 x 45 cm
- Subadults: around 60 x 45 x 60 cm
- Adults: 60 x 60 x 90 cm or larger
Provide multiple horizontal perches at different heights so the snake can choose its preferred level. Perches should be roughly the diameter of the snake's body so it can grip comfortably in the saddle posture. The enclosure must be completely escape-proof. Green Tree Pythons are persistent and capable escape artists.
Suitable substrates include coconut husk, orchid bark, or cypress mulch. Use paper towel for any quarantine setup for easy monitoring and cleaning.
Browse our enclosures and reptile supplies.
Temperature
Green Tree Pythons are tropical animals but do not tolerate excessive heat. The goal is a gentle, stable gradient, not the high basking temperatures of a desert species.
- Basking perch temperature: 30 to 31°C
- Daytime ambient: 26 to 28°C
- Night: allow to drop to 23 to 25°C
Use a radiant heat panel or ceramic heat emitter positioned at the top of one end of the enclosure and connected to a thermostat. Avoid strong overhead basking lamps that create a single concentrated heat point or dry out the enclosure. Verify temperatures with a thermometer at the perch level, not just at the floor. Browse our heating and thermostat range.
Humidity
Green Tree Pythons require elevated humidity. Aim for 60 to 80% relative humidity. Daily light misting of the enclosure walls and perches is the standard method, either by hand or with an automated misting system. Allow the enclosure to partially dry out between mistings to prevent stagnant moisture and bacterial growth. Good airflow is essential: high humidity plus poor ventilation is a direct path to respiratory infections. Complete, clean sheds are the clearest sign that humidity is correct.
Lighting and UVB
Lighting is not strictly required for this species, but a regular 12-hour day/night cycle is beneficial for natural behaviour rhythms. A low-intensity 2.0 to 5.0 UVB can be provided with minimal risk and potential benefit. Avoid high-output UVB as this species is from dense rainforest canopy and does not receive intense direct UV in the wild.
Browse our UVB lighting range.
Feeding
Feed frozen-thawed rodents using long tongs, always offering food at night. Present prey by dangling it at perch level, mimicking the movement of a natural prey item. Never place food on the enclosure floor. If the snake does not strike from the perch, try again the following night rather than persisting.
- Juveniles: a fuzzy mouse or small hopper every 5 to 7 days.
- Subadults: a small mouse every 7 to 10 days.
- Adults: a small rat every 10 to 14 days.
Green Tree Pythons gain weight easily and obesity is a real concern. Keep adults lean. Do not handle for at least 48 hours after feeding. Provide fresh water in a clean bowl changed every 1 to 2 days. Many individuals will drink droplets from the enclosure walls after misting; keep a bowl available regardless.
Browse our frozen feeders.
Handling
This is a display species and should be handled as infrequently as possible. When handling is necessary for health checks or enclosure maintenance, use a snake hook to lift the snake from its perch. Never grab a Green Tree Python directly from above, as this mimics a predator strike and will provoke a defensive response. Support the body but allow the snake to remain coiled rather than trying to extend it. Never handle after feeding.
Quick Reference
| Parameter | Target |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 1.2 to 1.8 metres |
| Lifespan | 15 to 20+ years |
| Enclosure (adult) | 60 x 60 x 90 cm minimum, prioritise height |
| Basking perch | 30 to 31°C |
| Daytime ambient | 26 to 28°C |
| Night | 23 to 25°C |
| Humidity | 60 to 80% |
| UVB | Optional, low intensity (2.0 to 5.0) if provided |
| Feeding (juvenile) | Every 5 to 7 days, frozen-thawed, tongs only |
| Feeding (adult) | Every 10 to 14 days, frozen-thawed, tongs only |
| Handling | Minimum necessary, snake hook only |
Shop
- Enclosures and Reptile Supplies
- Heating and Thermostats
- UVB Lighting
- Substrate and Decor
- Frozen Feeders
If you have questions about setting up for this species, our team is always happy to help.
Disclaimer
This guide is provided for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Individual animals vary and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Always consult a qualified reptile vet for health concerns. A Queensland wildlife keeper's licence is required to purchase and keep Green Tree Pythons.
