Dried Ginkgo Leaves (Ginkgo biloba) 20 Dried Leaves

The Unusual Properties and Benefits of Leaf-litter

As well as providing a natural source of food for living plants and organisms, dried leaves contain tannins and humic acids, which leach into the soil when it rains. Tannins are what give blackwater rivers and streams their characteristic tea-color appearance and low pH value. Selective leaf litter can also provide additional benefits, including anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, all of which support your substrate health. All the leaf litter Biome Exotics offers have been specifically selected to have these enhanced properties. Other leaves can be mixed in to increase the organic matter when preparing your substrate mixture.

GINKGO BILOBA PROPERTIES:

Benefits of Using Dried Ginkgo Leaves in Substrate for Reptile Enclosures:

1. Natural Antimicrobial Properties
Ginkgo leaves contain bioactive compounds like flavonoids and terpenoids, which may help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi in moist, enclosed environments—contributing to a cleaner microhabitat.

2. Slow Decomposition Rate
Unlike softer leaves (like magnolia or sea grape), Ginkgo leaves break down slowly, offering long-lasting ground cover and structure in the leaf litter layer without needing frequent replacement.

3. Microfauna Support
Their textured surface and chemical makeup provide an excellent foraging and hiding space for springtails, isopods, and other beneficial clean-up crew organisms—helping maintain a healthy bioactive balance.

4. Natural Aesthetic
With their distinct fan shape and golden color, dried Ginkgo leaves add a visually striking, natural look that enhances the realism of forest or woodland-themed enclosures.

5. Non-Toxic and Safe
Ginkgo leaves are non-toxic to reptiles and amphibians when sourced and processed properly (free of pesticides or contaminants), making them a safe choice for ground-dwelling and burrowing species.

*Leaf, wood, and bark biofilm sustains 40-times more active microbes.