I do not put live plants in the aquarium. I only put fake ones in there. My snake tends to use the bathroom on them, knock them over, and break them. So it is up to you whether or not you care to have your plant killed or soiled. As for the water thing, I have one snake who will not leave her water dish. She will do a lap around the tank every once in a while but after that she is in her bowl. Now I do have another ball whom I have never ever seen get any where near the water. Not even to drink. So maybe it just doesnt feel like submerging itself. Oh and Im semi-new as well. Im only giving personal experience!