Jackfruit Leaves

Jackfruit Leaves come from Artocarpus heterophyllus, a fruit tree native to the rainforests of southwestern India and now grown throughout the tropics. Ours are imported from Indonesia and Sri Lanka, where jackfruit has long been cultivated. The leaves are broad, leathery, and ovate, about 10–25 cm (4–10 in) long, dark amber to warm brown when dried, with a firm, waxy texture. That toughness means they take longer to waterlog than most leaves and hold their shape for 6–10 weeks in the tank. They work as the backbone of a litter bed, staying intact while thinner leaves around them break down and giving fish steady cover and territory markers. They release medium tannins for a warm amber tone, and biofilm builds across the surface as they soften. They suit long-running botanical tanks and mixed Asian biotopes.

Habitat Snapshot

Tannin Character: Medium · Water Tone: Warm amber · Habitat Origin: Imported from Indonesia, Sri Lanka (cultivated; native range: SW India) · Breakdown: 6–10 weeks · Best For: Base litter layer · Long-lasting leaf · Cover · Preparation: Rinse + Boil + Soak · Use with Caution: Thick leaves may float until fully waterlogged; can lower pH in soft, low-KH, or RO water · Quantity: 25 pcs

Key Benefits

• Lasts 6–10 weeks, longer than most leaf botanicals
• Steady, medium tannins for a warm amber tone
• Broad leaves give lasting cover and territory markers
• Builds biofilm for grazing as it softens

How to Use

Rinse thoroughly. Boil for at least 25 minutes, then let the leaves cool in the water. If any still float, keep them soaking until they sink; thick leaves may take longer. Use 2–3 leaves per 10 gal (38 L) as a base layer, let them break down in place, and replace them as they go, usually after 6–10 weeks. Pairing: Layer Jambolan or Longan Leaves on top; their slimmer shapes break up the broad jackfruit outlines and fill in as they decompose.

Best For

Long-term botanical tanks, wild bettas, dwarf cichlids, tetras, corydoras, and any setup where durable, low-maintenance leaf litter forms the base of the scape.

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.