5.0
A collection of light to dark brown cacao leaves (Theobroma sp.) for blackwater aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Cacao Leaves | Theobroma Cacao

$12.00
5.0
A group of dark brown fermented Indian almond leaves (Terminalia catappa) for blackwater aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Fermented Indian Almond Catappa Leaves | Terminalia Catappa

$12.00
5.0
A clear glass jar of red tinted aquarium tannins from tea bags of Betta Tea by Betta Botanicals.

Betta Tea™ | Natural Blackwater Tannin Replenishment

$24.00
4.9
Pile of brown, amber, and tan blackwater leaves, seed pods, and twigs, for aquariums and terrariums by Betta Botanicals.

'Blackwater' Botanicals Variety Pack

$22.00
5.0
A group of pale yellow and tan bamboo leaves (Bambusa sp.) for vivariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Bamboo Leaf Litter | Bambusa sp.

$10.00
5.0
A pile of fibrous brown Kiriwel Bark (Ichnocarpus frutescens) pieces for biotope aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Kiriwel Bark | Ichnocarpus frutescens

$13.00
5.0
A flat lay of brown, orange, and amber dried leaves and seed pods for blackwater aquariums, photographed on a natural background at betta botanicals.

Betta Leaf Litter

$20.00
5.0
A group of long and slightly curved, brown mahogany pod sections (Swietenia macrophylla) for blackwater aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Mahogany Pod Sections | Swietenia macrophylla

$8.00
5.0
A group of brown Cariniana trumpet pods (Cariniana legalis) for blackwater aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Trumpet Pods | Cariniana legalis

$22.00
5.0
A pile of red-brown Sappan wood (Biancaea sappan) strips for blackwater aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Sappan Wood | Biancaia sappan

$9.00
5.0
Save 14%
A pile of red-brown True Ceylon Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum verum) for shrimp tanks, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Grade A+ True Ceylon Cinnamon Bark | Cinnamomum verum

Sale priceFrom $12.00Regular price $14.00
5.0
A pile of tan-brown fern fronds (Pteridium sp.) for biotope aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Fern Fronds | Pteridium sp.

$8.00
5.0
A group of hard, brown Sterculia foetida jungle pods for blackwater aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Jungle Pods | Sterculia Foetida

From $6.00
5.0
A graphic showcasing a pine needle branch and text promoting the variety pack.

The Everglades Botanical Pack

$22.00
5.0
A group of dried golden-brown Casuarina Pine Needles (Casuarina equisetifolia) for biotope aquariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Casuarina Pine Needles | Casuarina equisetifolia

$8.00
4.3
A pile of aquarium shrimp food by KatsAquatics, for Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Red Shrimp, and other ornamental aquarium shrimp species.

3-1 Calcium Shrimp Food - Limited Edition

$14.99
5.0
A group of tan and brown acorn tops for aquariums and vivariums, photographed on a natural background at Betta Botanicals.

Acorn Tops | Quercus sp.

$8.00
Aquarium gift card by Betta Botanicals, for betta fish tanks, botanical aquariums, and blackwater aquariums.

Betta Botanicals Gift Cards

From $25.00

Build Your Ecosystem with Aquarium Botanicals

Every botanical we curate—whether leaf, seed pod, bark, or root—contributes its own durability, tannin profile, and ecological benefit. Layered together, they create the foundation of botanical method, blackwater, and biotope aquariums, and bioactive vivariums, where life flourishes through natural processes.

At Betta Botanicals, we uphold strict sourcing standards. Each batch is inspected and tested before it reaches your aquarium or vivarium, and all packaging is 100% home-compostable to keep your ecosystem and our planet aligned. With select free USA shipping on orders over $50 and detailed preparation guidance, we make it simple to start building your own ecosystems right at home.

Leaf Litter Safe for Fish, Shrimp, and Vivariums

We love the aesthetic that botanicals add to our ecosystems, but their true value lies in supporting microbial colonization, stabilizing water chemistry, and providing cover, foraging zones, and spawning sites. Whether you’re adding Catappa Leaves to calm a Betta, Alder Cones to tint water for Tetras, or larger leaves to enrich a vivarium floor for dart frogs, every product is tested.

Aquarium Botanicals for Blackwater and Biotopes

Pairing soft water with botanicals allows you to replicate natural blackwater habitats—ecosystems defined by their rich tint, low pH, and low dissolved solids. Many popular fish, from Tetras to Apistogramma, evolved in these conditions. Botanicals like Alder Cones and Macaranga Leaves help gently lower pH, while pods and bark create natural spawning shelters. For aquarists seeking to replicate specific biotope aquariums, our curated range makes it possible to blend function with aesthetics.