---
title: Oak leaf litter in a terrarium | Glass Jar Garden
description: Oak leaf litter: Whole dried oak leaves that last longer than most litter. In the jar it has holds water 37.5 % by volume, pore space 86 % by volume, weight...
url: https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/oak-leaves/
---

Soils and layers

# Oak leaf litter

Whole dried oak leaves that last longer than most litter.

## What the simulation uses

- Holds water: 37.5 % by volume (Water it keeps after draining; the rest runs down to the drainage.)

- Pore space: 86 % by volume (Room for air and water between grains; low means roots suffocate when wet.)

- Weight: 60 g/L (How heavy a litre is.)

- pH: 4.5 to 6 pH (How acid it keeps the soil.)

- Mould risk: medium (How much fresh food it gives white mould; high-risk soils fuzz over in the first weeks.)

- Breaks down in: 1 to 2 years (How long it lasts before rotting down to fine soil.)

- Nutrients: low (Plant food it brings.)

- Presses down to: 40 % of its loose depth (How far pressing can pack it, keeping its weight.)

## Description
Whole dried oak leaves that last longer than most litter. Isopods and springtails feed on them as they rot down over a year or two.

Also called dried oak leaves.

Estimated, where sources were thin: values estimated from hobby and horticultural references; not measured.

[Grow it in a jar](https://glassjar.garden/?guide=soils/oak-leaves)

[Magnolia leaves](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/magnolia-leaves/) · [Orchid bark (fir/pine bark)](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/orchid-bark/) · [All soils and layers](https://glassjar.garden/guide/soils/)