Description
*Discontinued
Marupa leaves are a hardy leaf litter that you can use in a terrarium, vivarium or aquarium. They will also make a tasty treat for your isopods and springtails in a bioactive terrarium
These leaves are from a tree called Simarouba amara. Its natural range is in the neotropics. Found in Guatemala and as far south to Bolivia, spanning from Ecuador to Brazil. This tree calls the Amazon Rainforest its home.
Using Marupa Leaves In A Terrarium
Leaf litter not only helps with providing a naturalistic appearance, however the leaves also provide hiding spots for animals such as dart frogs and small reptiles. Even snakes will enjoy hiding under the leaves. Additionally, micro fauna like springtails and isopods will use the decomposing leaves as food.
In the forest, the leaf litter may be several inches thick. Typically in a naturalistic or bioactive terrarium, you want to have the leaves at least a few layers deep and you should routinely add leaves as you see them decomposing.
Using Marupa Leaves In An Aquarium
Marupa Leaves are an ideal leaf litter for black water aquariums as well as many other setups. The leaves will provide shelter to fry and small species of shrimp, crabs, crayfish, snails, and fish while maintaining a natural look in the aquarium. They also serve as an ideal growth medium for biofilm and diatoms, both of which are key food sources to countless aquatic animal species, including shrimp and other invertebrates as well as fish.
How To Clean And Sanitize Marupa Leaves
While you can simply rinse you leaves, it is recommended that you also sterilize your leaves prior to using them in a terrarium. To achieve this you can microwave damp leaves for 1-2 minute, boil leaves for approximately 5 minutes, or bake damp leaves at 200 °F for approximately 15-20 minutes.
Each package contains 30gm (1oz) which is approximately 100-110 dried Marupa leaves
Due to the nature of this product there will be variation in size and shape.
Check out our Red Oak Leaves for another common leaf litter used in terrariums and vivariums.
Marupa Leaves are available for sale and shipping in Canada.
