Green tree python — Care Sheet & Morphs

Husbandry requirements

Green tree python — origin: New Guinea, Indonesia and the far north of Australia — tropical rainforest.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min22 °C

Cool side24–25 °C

Warm side26–28 °C

Basking spot30–32 °C

Hot spot at the upper perch; good ventilation to prevent respiratory infections

Enclosure (adult)

90 × 60 × 90 cm

Planted arboreal terrarium

Tiered horizontal perches creating a vertical thermal gradient

Humidity

60–80 %

Misting; humidity/ventilation balance is crucial

Substrate

Coco fiberSphagnum mossLive plants

UVB

Optional

Optional; low UVB beneficial

Water source

Always available

Water bowl + misting

Origin

Pythonidae

New Guinea, Indonesia and the far north of Australia — tropical rainforest

Feeding & health

Diet

Carnivore — rodents — Appropriately sized mice/rats, ambushed from the perch

Do not handle after feeding (regurgitation)

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 6–25 eggs/young. Ontogenetic color change: yellow or red juveniles → green

Health watch points

Respiratory infections
Incomplete shedding
Regurgitation
Stress

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 2 documented genes and 1 named combos for Green tree python.

Albino (T−) amelanisticRec
Axanthic (Hypomelanistic) axanthRec

Named combos — 1 documented combined morphs

Snow

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Green tree python × Green tree python

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the green tree python.

How big does an adult green tree python get?▾

The green tree python (Green Tree Python / GTP) is a medium-sized snake that measures between 1.50 m and 1.80 m as an adult. Its slender build is suited to a life spent entirely up in the branches, coiled on a perch.

Why does the enclosure need to be tall?▾

Because the species is strictly arboreal: it spends its life coiled on a perch and moves vertically. Provide a planted arboreal terrarium at least 90 cm high, 90 cm long and 60 cm wide, with tiered horizontal perches that create a vertical thermal gradient.

What temperatures should be maintained for a green tree python?▾

Set up a basking spot of 30 to 32 °C at the upper perch, a warm side of 26 to 28 °C and a cool side of 24 to 25 °C, with a nighttime minimum of 22 °C. Good ventilation remains essential to prevent respiratory infections.

What humidity level should be targeted?▾

The green tree python needs high humidity of 60 to 80%, maintained through misting. The balance between humidity and ventilation is crucial: humid but stagnant air quickly promotes respiratory illness.

Can a green tree python be handled?▾

It's not recommended: it's a defensive snake, more suited to observation than to regular handling. It's appreciated for its beauty on its perch rather than for contact.

Is the green tree python suitable for a beginner?▾

No, it's an advanced-level species. Its exacting temperature, humidity and ventilation requirements, along with its defensive temperament, make it best suited to experienced keepers.

What does a green tree python eat and how often?▾

It's a carnivore that hunts by ambush, striking from its perch at appropriately sized mice or rats. Juveniles eat about once a week, adults every 10 to 14 days.

Why avoid handling it after a meal?▾

Because the green tree python is particularly prone to regurgitation. Disturbing it after it has eaten can cause it to regurgitate its prey, which is stressful for the animal; leave it undisturbed while it digests.

Is it true that juveniles are a different color from adults?▾

Yes, it's one of the species' most striking traits: juveniles hatch yellow or red and gradually turn green as they grow. This ontogenetic color change is spectacular and unique to the green tree python.

What substrate and water source should be provided?▾

Coco fiber, sphagnum moss and live plants work well and help maintain humidity in this tropical terrarium. Provide a water bowl, supplemented with regular misting.

Is UVB lighting useful?▾

UVB is optional for this species, but low-level radiation is beneficial and can contribute to its overall well-being.

Where does the green tree python come from and what health issues should be monitored?▾

It inhabits the tropical rainforests of New Guinea, Indonesia and the far north of Australia. Watch for respiratory infections, incomplete sheds, regurgitation and stress, often linked to a poorly balanced environment or excessive handling.

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