Miniature bonsai trees in ball python's vivarium?

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Originally Posted by redshepherd

Bonsai isn't a plant species. Most inexpensive "bonsai" from nurseries are either chinese elm or juniper cuttings, both of which don't have a well developed root system yet and will definitely topple over under the weight of a young adult ball python.

Bonsai is just the art of pruning and shaping normal tree and shrub species over time to grow into the look of as if a miniature tree. Older or younger doesn't matter, the branches were meant to stay thin on top, and to have a thick base only. They're also meant to develop a shallow, flat root system anyway. A plant is only considered a "bonsai" when it's grown with the intent of keeping a shallow base and shaped into a tree. Otherwise, it's just a normal plant LOL.

Also, when most people think of bonsai, they think of junipers... Junipers need full sun and won't survive in a terrarium, and I don't believe they're reptile safe anyway.

A mature jade plant will hold up a smaller sized ball python, but still the new branches are risky under an adult, from what I'm guessing.

If you want a live plant, you want to find a plant that has a very strong root system in the pot (if you are keeping the plant in a pot), can live in low-light, and preferably has no branches.

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Yes, yes and yes some more. You saved me some typing. Great answer, very informative!

I have a bonsai in with my ball she's just under a kilo now. It's been in there over 6 months now. When I first got it I put it through a exo-terra hollow skull it keeps it very sturdy. I do have red/blue spectrum lights on a timer for the plants. The small branches arnt a issue and it's always coming through with new leaf's but recently I've really noticed the branches, branching out. I think it's a Chinese elm can upload pics if someone knows about more on them

Yes, this is what i was alluding to.
The way around getting one with a well established root system is to establish the plants before the snake is introduced. Although what are most enlosures if not shallow and flat based?
And yes the age is what will give the stronger trunk and branches. That only comes with time. Even if you start with a thick cutting it took time to get that thick. Now i do agree there are some ancient trees that have been kept relatively small, but size, whether it be diameter of trunk or branches or height of the plant, only comes with age. Like i said pick the right trees and bushes and you wont have problems. Things like jade wont work past infancy for a bp. Something that grows fast, can take a beating and has a fast growing and strong root system, like redsheperd said. There are quite a few that will work for this. But again you must pick the right trees and bushes. After that you must prune them to your liking.