Tamarind Leaf Litter | Tamarindus indica
Product Description: Tamarind Leaf Litter (Tamarindus indica) is the smallest species of leaf we offer at Betta Botanicals, and we haven’t seen it available anywhere else! Its finely textured, delicate composition adds a soft yellow tint to botanical method aquariums, and it's ideal for small aquariums and vivariums. Perfect for shrimp and other botanical-loving species, Tamarind Leaf Litter can serve as the primary leaf litter in small ecosystems or as a subtle accent in larger setups. We call it leaf litter, as small pieces of grass and the stems where the tamarind fruit detaches are included with these leaves. Care should be taken to provide a longer than normal soak, as their small size enables them to be blown about the aquarium by the softest water current. The ones in the photo below were soaked for 48 hours after following the preparation instructions.
In botanical method aquariums, Tamarind leaves release mild tannins, adding a gentle, golden hue to the water. Their small size and fine structure are ideal for fostering biofilm development, providing grazing surfaces for microfauna, and creating a haven for rasping fish. In bioactive enclosures, these leaves offer a nutrient-rich food source for isopods, springtails, and other clean-up crew members, contributing to a thriving ecosystem.
Beneath the Leaves on Tamarind Leaf Litter
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) is a long-lived, medium-growth tree native to tropical Africa but widely cultivated in Asia, the Americas, and other tropical regions. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is the sole species in the genus Tamarindus, making it monotypic. Tamarind trees thrive in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, and are highly drought-tolerant. They prefer full sun and are resistant to salt aerosols, which makes them suitable for coastal environments.
The tree can reach up to 25 meters (80 feet) in height, with a dense, vase-shaped canopy of evergreen, pinnately compound leaves. These leaves are bright green and close up at night. The tree produces small, red-and-yellow flowers and pod-like fruits containing a tangy, sweet pulp. The pods are hard-shelled and can range from 12 to 15 centimeters (4.5 to 6 inches) in length, housing glossy brown seeds.
Tamarind trees are frost-sensitive and have been extensively naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide due to their culinary, medicinal, and ornamental uses. They are cultivated for their fruits, which are rich in nutrients, and their durable hardwood, which is prized in woodworking.
This bag and its contents are biodegradable! Did you know our product packaging is made from renewable and sustainable sugarcane? So just like the botanicals inside, it will compost when returned to nature.
Not for Human Consumption. Preparation Required.
Quantities: ~25 grams of Tamarind indica leaf litter. Sizes range. This is a natural product, and variation between leaves and botanicals is expected.
Aquarium Botanical Location: Sri Lanka.
Tamarind Leaf Litter | Tamarindus indica
Home is getting a bit more natural
While the aesthetic appeal of botanicals and tinted water can be quite attractive to us, the recreation of nature to emulate water conditions, feeding patterns, spawning displays, and territory building are the true benefits botanicals provide to our critters.
Botanical FAQs
Compostable Packaging Promise
Our packaging is designed to return safely to the Earth, just like the botanicals inside. Every bag is BPA- and Phthalate-free, GMO-free, and contains no animal products. Each meets ASTM D6400 composting standards, ensuring it can fully break down in a home compost bin.
What are the Fluffy White Growths on my Botanicals?
That’s biofilm and fungi—what we call the “goo phase.” It’s one of the clearest signs that your aquarium is alive and functioning. These growths wax and wane naturally as botanicals decompose. They’re harmless, even beneficial, and will disappear on their own once microbial populations stabilize.
Will botanicals lower the pH of my water?
That depends entirely on your source water. In very soft or RODI water, botanicals can gradually lower pH as tannins and humic substances accumulate. In medium to hard tap water, buffering capacity often resists these shifts, and you may not notice much change. At Betta Botanicals HQ, our very hard water (350+ ppm) shows almost no pH change unless we use botanicals like Alder Cones or Macaranga Leaves.
When should I replace leaves or pods in my tank?
We recommend allowing botanicals to fully break down into detritus, since this fuels microbial life and enriches the substrate. You can remove them once they stop tinting the water, but you’ll lose some of their ecological benefits. Each time you add new botanicals, follow proper preparation and observe your livestock until you learn your aquarium’s rhythm.
Are your products just for bettas?
Nope. Our botanicals are safe for almost all aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and paludariums. The only exceptions are goldfish and axolotls, which may ingest small pods like alder cones or casuarina cones. For those species, we recommend large leaves such as Indian Almond, Loquat, or Jackfruit.
What are Tannins?
Tannins are natural compounds released by leaves, seed pods, and bark as they decompose in water. They soften water, gently lower pH, and create the characteristic tea-stained tint found in blackwater habitats. But their role goes far beyond color—tannins fuel beneficial bacteria, fungi, and biofilms, which form the foundation of a healthy ecosystem. They also offer mild antifungal benefits and help reduce stress in fish by replicating the natural conditions they’ve evolved in. At their core, tannins are plant-derived antioxidants that connect your aquarium to the same processes at work in wild flooded forests and streams.
Customer Reviews
I love these really small leaves. Perfect for my nano shrimp tank.
amazing!! theres so much product!! the tiny leaves look adorable in my nank aquariums
I love the small size of these tamarind leaves. They really help create a unique appearance and texture to the leaf litter in your aquarium. I need to have more!
Once they break down, the skeleton they leave behind is rather intricate and beautiful, too! Thank you for the positive review! -Ben