Climbing Swamp Fern

Kelakai is the Indonesian name for (Stenochlaena palustris), a climbing fern native from tropical Asia to the western Pacific. In Borneo and Sumatra, it scrambles through swamp forest, forest edges, and the margins of blackwater streams. Ours is imported from Indonesia, within its native range. The fronds are once-pinnate, with long, narrow leaflets edged in fine teeth. Dried, they are dark tan to olive-brown and 20–50+ cm (8–20+ in) long, with a slightly papery, fibrous texture. In the aquarium they release medium tannins over 3–6 weeks for a warm amber tone. The fine leaflets build biofilm that shrimp and small fish graze. Draped over roots or tucked between stones, the fronds form a loose tangle like the edge of a peat swamp. They are a native fit for Bornean and Sumatran biotopes.

Habitat Snapshot

Tannin Character: Medium · Water Tone: Warm amber · Habitat Origin: Imported from Indonesia (native range: tropical Asia to W. Pacific) · Swamp forest · Breakdown: 3–6 weeks · Best For: Borneo, Sumatra biotopes · Wild bettas · Peat swamp builds · Preparation: Rinse + Boil + Soak · Use with Caution: Large fronds may need extra soaking to sink; can lower pH in soft, low-KH, or RO water · Quantity: 24 pcs

Key Benefits

• Native to Bornean and Sumatran swamp forest and imported from Indonesia
• Fine, toothed leaflets add intricate texture to the litter
• Medium tannins for a warm amber tone over 3–6 weeks
• Fine leaflets build biofilm for shrimp to graze

How to Use

Rinse thoroughly. Boil for at least 25 minutes, then let the fronds cool in the water. Soak in warm water for 30–60 minutes to help them sink; large fronds may need longer. Trim to fit if needed. Drape over roots, tuck between hardscape, or layer under larger leaves. Use 3–5 fronds per 10 gal (38 L). Pairing: Layer under Macaranga Leaves for a deeper-toned Bornean litter bed.

Best For

Borneo and Sumatra peat swamp biotopes, Sabangau-inspired builds, wild bettas such as Betta hendra, and Parosphromenus (licorice gourami) tanks.

Not for human consumption. Preparation required. Because this is a natural product, size, shape, color, and texture will vary from piece to piece.

Let the botanical become part of the system. The value is in the slow breakdown, biofilm, tannin character, habitat texture, and natural behavior it encourages. This is where sunken forests come to life.