Safe to use Catappa leaves as a leaf-litter substrate in my vivarium?

[BettaShawn]

I have a vivarium. Its about 70% humid and stays at around 75 degrees. Im afraid that if I were to crunch up the leaves a little and place them as a leaf litter in my vivarium, that they might start to grow mold. Will they grow mold? PLease help.

Thanks.

[wesleybrouwer]

It's perfectly fine.
I use mainly oak leafs and catappa leafs as leaflitter in my vivs.
They grow a little mold over time, but i guess in nature it won't be any different.
If you put some springtails and/or woodlice in your viv, they will thrive in a nice layer of leaflitter, eating some of the mold as well.