{"product_id":"macaranga-triloba-leaves","title":"Macaranga Leaves","description":"\u003cp\u003eMacaranga Leaves come from \u003cem\u003eMacaranga triloba\u003c\/em\u003e, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHabitat Snapshot\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong1\u003eTannin Character: \u003c\/strong1\u003eMedium–High · \u003cstrong1\u003eWater Tone: \u003c\/strong1\u003eDeep amber · \u003cstrong1\u003eHabitat Origin: \u003c\/strong1\u003eImported from Indonesia (native range: S. Indochina to Sumatra \u0026amp; Borneo) · \u003cstrong1\u003eBreakdown: \u003c\/strong1\u003e3–6 weeks · \u003cstrong1\u003eBest For: \u003c\/strong1\u003eBorneo \u0026amp; Sumatra biotopes · Wild bettas · Leaf litter · \u003cstrong1\u003ePreparation: \u003c\/strong1\u003eRinse + Boil · \u003cstrong1\u003eUse with Caution: \u003c\/strong1\u003eCan lower pH quickly in soft, low-KH, or RO water; add leaves gradually · \u003cstrong1\u003eQuantity: \u003c\/strong1\u003e20 pcs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive three-lobed shape that stands out in the litter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMedium–high tannins for a deep amber tint\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNative to Borneo and Sumatra and imported from Indonesia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreaks down into soft, biofilm-rich litter over 3–6 weeks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRinse 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. \u003cem\u003ePairing:\u003c\/em\u003e Layer with Terentang Leaves for a fuller Bornean litter bed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003eBorneo and Sumatra blackwater biotopes, wild betta setups such as \u003cem\u003eBetta hendra\u003c\/em\u003e and related species, and any tank where you want strong tannins with true Southeast Asian character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp class=\"product-notice\"\u003eNot for human consumption. Preparation required. Because this is a natural product, size, shape, color, and texture will vary from piece to piece.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eLet 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.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Blackwater Scapes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51838197629224,"sku":"BWS-LF-13","price":16.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0990\/1729\/4120\/files\/ChatGPTImageJun13_2026_08_53_40PM.png?v=1781398480","url":"https:\/\/blackwaterscapes.com\/products\/macaranga-triloba-leaves","provider":"Blackwater Scapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}