Macaranga Leaves

Macaranga Leaves come from Macaranga triloba, a fast-growing pioneer tree native from southern Indochina through Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, where it colonizes forest edges and disturbed lowland forest. Ours are imported from Indonesia, within that native range. The leaves are three-lobed and shield-like, about 10–25 cm (4–10 in) across, with the stalk attached near the center and veins radiating outward. Dried, they are warm amber to brown with a slightly papery texture. After boiling they sink and release medium-to-high tannins fairly quickly, building a deep amber tint over their 3–6 weeks in the tank. As they soften, they break down into fine litter that grows biofilm for shrimp to graze. For Bornean and Sumatran blackwater builds, this is a native leaf, not a stand-in.

Habitat Snapshot

Tannin Character: Medium–High · Water Tone: Deep amber · Habitat Origin: Imported from Indonesia (native range: S. Indochina to Sumatra & Borneo) · Breakdown: 3–6 weeks · Best For: Borneo & Sumatra biotopes · Wild bettas · Leaf litter · Preparation: Rinse + Boil · Use with Caution: Can lower pH quickly in soft, low-KH, or RO water; add leaves gradually · Quantity: 20 pcs

Key Benefits

• Distinctive three-lobed shape that stands out in the litter
• Medium–high tannins for a deep amber tint
• Native to Borneo and Sumatra and imported from Indonesia
• Breaks down into soft, biofilm-rich litter over 3–6 weeks

How to Use

Rinse before use. Boil for 15–25 minutes, then let the leaves cool in the water before adding them to the aquarium. Use 2–3 leaves per 10 gal (38 L) for moderate color, or 4–5 for deeper amber. In soft or RO water, add leaves a few at a time and monitor pH. Pairing: Layer with Terentang Leaves for a fuller Bornean litter bed.

Best For

Borneo and Sumatra blackwater biotopes, wild betta setups such as Betta hendra and related species, and any tank where you want strong tannins with true Southeast Asian character.

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.