Ball python lighting system help?!?!

[LLLReptile]

Live pillow moss or the usual vivarium moss will not grow the way it sounds like you're hoping it will. You could try Java moss, which does grow when planted (usual types of vivarium moss just turn green and can be maintained for 1 to 3 months; it does not really grow in or thrive for long periods of time and needs to be replaced like regular substrate). However, Java moss needs to be kept extremely damp to do well, which is why is it commonly used for paludariums or dart frog terrariums, which need high amounts of moisture.

I would suggest perhaps to use a combination of eco earth, bark, and/or cypress mulch for your substrate. It'll be a nice, moist-but-not-too-moist substrate that still meets your snake's needs and look nice. You can use green sphagnum moss (which is a loose, green moss) to add accents to your cage, and pack around the waterfall, which will not only look nice but help with humidity in a useful way for the snake. The level of moisture that live moss of all kinds needs to truly thrive is a bit high for a ball python, and I know I personally would not want my snake(s) sitting on it for extended periods of time.

I think I've shared this video before, but if you haven't seen it, hopefully it gives you some ideas on setting up a neat display. To be honest, I'd scrap the idea of the live moss completely, and look into other options. I'm fond of the green sphagnum moss, but you can use spanish hanging moss as a cage accent as well.


Let me know if you have more questions!

-Jen