Aquarium and Vivarium Leaves & Litter
Leaf litter is the backbone of the Botanical Method Aquarium and bioactive vivariums. As leaves soften and decompose, they release tannins and organic compounds, fuel microbial growth, and provide shelter for fish, shrimp, and microfauna. A layered leaf bed creates habitat complexity, offering foraging zones for shrimp, grazing areas for bottom dwellers, and spawning sites for species like Apistogramma and Bettas.
Our curated selection goes beyond Catappa, featuring diverse leaves like Loquat, Mango, Jackfruit, and Macaranga—each with unique tannin levels, durability, and textures. Every botanical is sustainably sourced, batch-tested for safety, and packaged in 100% home-compostable pouches.
46 products
Colombian Casho Leaf Litter | Anacardium excelsum
Colombian Mango Leaves | Mangifera indica
Colombian Guadua Bamboo Leaf Litter | Bambusa sp.
Colombian Cacao Leaves | Theobroma cacao
Terentang Leaves | Campnosperma brevipetiolata
Peruvian Casho Leaf Litter | Anacardium occidentale
Pygmy Guava Leaves | Psidium cattleianum
Tamarind Leaf Litter | Tamarindus indica
Willow Live Oak Leaf Litter | Quercus phellos
Peruvian Palta Leaf Litter | Avocado sp.
Biome Builder - Fuel Your Ecosystem
Excelsa Palm Fronds | Rhapis excelsa
Peruvian Marupa Leaf Litter | Simarouba amara
Peruvian Cows Ears Leaf Litter | Inga macrophylla
Areca Palm Fronds | Dypsis lutescens
Longan Leaf Litter | Dimocarpus longan Lour
Climbing Swamp Fern | Stenochlaena palustris
Jambolan Leaves | Syzygium cumini
Macaranga Leaves | Macaranga triloba
Red Mangrove Leaves | Rhizophora mangle