Sterilizing leaves

[Longhorn1234]

Is it normal for dead dried leaves to "rehydrate" after being boiled for sterilization purposes? Mine went from dried and easily crushable to green and rubbery. Does this happen when you boil them and if so, around how long do you let them dry again before giving them to your roaches?

[Axolotl]

I usually microwave mine with some water for 2 minutes. I've never experienced that... Were they dried green leaves to begin with? Mine are usually brown and slightly decayed when I grab them. They will hydrate slightly, but they've never become rubbery. More like just wet versions of what they were. How much I dry them depends on the roach species. If they can handle some humidity or moisture, I use them wet. Things dry out pretty quick in my roach room. What kind of leaves are they?

[Longhorn1234]

They were oak and maple leaves and yes, they were dried and brown. I might try it in the microwave next time and see how that works. Around how much water do you use for the leaves?

[Axolotl]

I wonder if boiling them removed the dry brown cuticle to expose a not yet decayed layer underneath?

If I need dry leaves, I just microwave them dry. If I need moist or wet, I usually just add enough water to get them damp. Basically, I try to get the leaves close to the moisture level I need. I've found that adding the water before heating saturates better.