Longan Leaves

Longan Leaves come from Dimocarpus longan, the fruit tree known as dragon's eye. The species ranges from the Indian subcontinent through southern China and Southeast Asia. Ours are imported from Indonesia, where longan grows wild on some islands and is cultivated on others. Each piece is a single leaflet: smooth, narrowly oval, about 8–15 cm (3–6 in) long, pale to mid-amber when dried, with a lightly glossy upper surface. Their tannin release is gentle, giving the water a soft golden tone with less effect on color and pH than stronger leaves. In a mixed litter bed, they fill the middle ground between fine and broad leaves. They last 3–6 weeks, and shrimp graze the biofilm that builds as they soften. They suit nano, shrimp, and Southeast Asian biotope tanks.

Habitat Snapshot

Tannin Character: Low–Medium · Water Tone: Light amber · Habitat Origin: Imported from Indonesia (native range: Indian subcontinent to S. China & Malesia) · Breakdown: 3–6 weeks · Best For: Nano · Shrimp · Mixed litter layer · Preparation: Rinse + Boil + Soak · Use with Caution: Gentle, but can still lower pH slightly in very soft or RO water · Quantity: 20 pcs

Key Benefits

• Gentle tannins for a soft golden tint
• Easy 3–6 week replacement cycle
• Smooth, glossy leaflets add texture to mixed litter
• Shrimp graze the biofilm as leaves soften

How to Use

Rinse before use. Boil for at least 25 minutes, then let the leaves cool in the water. A brief soak of 5–10 minutes helps them sink faster. Use 3–5 leaves per 10 gal (38 L) as part of a mixed litter layer, and replace them as they break down. Pairing: Layer over Mango Leaves, which give a broad base that lasts about as long.

Best For

Shrimp tanks, nano aquariums, Southeast Asian biotope builds, and mixed litter setups with wild bettas or rasboras where you want subtle conditioning rather than heavy color.

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.