Leaf litter, chia, flax seed and millet

[ElaineCheeko104]

I live in Tucson, AZ and I wanted to add leaf litter to my salamander tank.
I don't have access to oak or maple leaves. Can I use grape leaves for my leaf litter without causing harm to the salamander?
I would like to have something that looks like grassy area in my tank.
Can I plant chia seeds, flax seeds or millet in the tank without harming the salamander?
My tank has a 50/50 mix of eco earth and play sand along with 60% top soil (ingredients: forest wood products, composted material and sandy loom).
I appreciate any assistance you can provide.
Thank you very much.

 

[Blackbun]

Hi Elaine, go take a day with a picnic in Payson. There's mainly pine up there but also areas of deciduous poplars etc with leaf mould.
Grape leaves are eaten by many creatures including people so I reckon they're ok for your salamanders. Will you let them rot down a bit first so they don't go mouldy in your tank?
As for greenery the plants you suggest kinda like it dry. In my use I can recommend tradescantia which grows nicely and doesn't mind wet not that your sals won't to sit in wet. They are tolerant of poor light quality too. If you do buy in plants from the store, please be aware they are likely to have been sprayed by goodness what to keep moulds and bugs away as well as growth enhancers so give them a good rinse and maybe leave them for a few weeks so these chemicals dissipate. Have a great day. I love AZ.