Borneo Rasamala Root | Altingia excelsa
Product Description: An exotic addition to your botanical method aquariums, vivariums, terrariums, and paludariums – the Borneo Root is a thicker version of our Melastoma roots with a dark brown color on its tangled root structure. Sourced from the Altingia excelsa tree, these lightweight yet intricately gnarled roots fit right at home in any Southeast Asian Biotope Aquarium.
Sourced from a trusted supplier in West Java, these roots, ranging from 10"-18" in length and 6"-8" in width, offer variability that suits the hobbyist looking for a unique and difficult-to-source species of driftwood. Their brown to dark brown hues perfectly complement the earthy aesthetic of a botanical method aquarium display, contrasting with "Branch Manzanita" or Melastoma roots, which have a lighter color.
Patience is key if you wish to include these in your aquarium, as their buoyancy requires waterlogging for a while. Once submerged, it proves enduring underwater, becoming encrusted with biofilms that enhance your ecosystem.
Notably, these roots are not WYSIWYG specimens, but Betta Botanicals selects pieces that meet our high standards. Curating these from the Jungles of Borneo is not easy, and their price point reflects the care that is needed to prepare, ship, and deliver them to your doorsteps.
Not for Human Consumption. Preparation Required.
Quantities: Available in 1c Borneo Root Pieces in size Medium or Large. This is a natural product, and variation between roots is expected. Large pieces may be incredibly intricate or not, small pieces may be incredibly intricate or not.
Aquarium Botanical Location: Indonesia.
Home is getting 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
These give a great touch to the tank!
Beyond thrilled with theses pieces.excellent looking as well as excellent customer service.ive placed multiple orders trying out different items everything has exceeded my expectations.this is my only go to for botanicals from here on out