Southern Magnolia Leaves (Magnolia grandiflora) 10 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.

MAGNOLIA GRANDIFLORA PROPERTIES:

For Reptile Enclosures:

• Can be crumbled and used as leaf litter or shredded and mixed into substrate.
• Slightly slower to break down than other green plant matter due to its tougher tissues.
• Reduces the risk of bacterial and fungal outbreaks.
• 100% organic.
• 100% completely free from chemical residues.
• Provides great natural cover for ground dwelling reptiles and micro-fauna.
• As decomposition takes place, microfauna including isopods, and springtails will use them as food.
• The thick, somewhat leathery leaves and root matter add loft and structure, helping prevent soil compaction.
• Creates micro air pockets in the mix, supporting root aeration.
• Enhances substrate biofilm - Read more about it [here].
• Similar to other tropical plant matter, pH tends to range from 5.5 to 6.5, which is ideal for most aroids.

For Aquatic Use (Fish & Shrimp Tanks):

• Slowly releases tannins that lower pH naturally.
• Mild antibacterial and antifungal properties.
• Enhances natural colors in fish and shrimp.

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