Description
Willow Oak Leaves, Quercus phellos, comes from the common Oak tree found in North America. These trees are commonly found alongside streams and waterways. When the fall season comes around the leaves turn a golden brown color before falling to the ground. The shape and the color of these leaves create a very naturalistic feel within a terrarium.
These are an essential organic ground leaf litter when it comes to bio-active terrariums and vivariums. Willow Oak Leaves can be used as a source of nutrition for isopods as well as additional hiding security. In large quantities on top of your soil, many reptiles will readily try to burrow under the leaf litter.
How To Use Willow Oak Leaves In A Terrarium
Simply place a handful of Willow Oak Leaves into pile in your vivarium or terrarium. Periodically “fluff” up the pile to help keep it airy so that frogs and other reptiles can easily forage for springtails or to hide in. No need to remove oak leaves from your vivarium, as they will naturally decompose and be eaten by springtails and isopods and other micro fauna. Add more as leaves as needed. You can even use the tannins from boiled oak leaves to create a “Tadpole Tea” that is used to help raise Dart Frog Tadpoles.
How To Use Willow Oak Leaves In An Aquarium
Oak Leaves can also be used in aquariums. With this natural product, tannins will be released into your water. We recommend pre-soaking the leaves before introducing them into your aquarium and to add them in slowly, so as to not change the pH levels drastically. These leaves breakdown slower than Indian almond.
How To Clean And Sanitize Oak Leaves For A Terrarium Or Aquarium
While you can simply rinse you leaves, it is recommended that you also sterilize your oak leaves prior to using them in a terrarium or aquarium. 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
Size of individual leaves average approx. 2-3” in length.
Due to the nature of this product there will be natural variation in size and color
Willow Oak Leaves are available for sale and shipping in Canada only
