Product Description: Casho Leaf Litter (Anacardium occidentale) is a versatile and beautiful addition to any botanical method aquarium or bioactive enclosure. Sourced from Peru, these mid-sized leaves are ethically harvested to ensure quality, a bit of sand usually arives on these leaves - but will be removed after you follow the preparation method. Their natural texture and color help replicate a dynamic and more natural forest floor that supports your ecosystems.

The Casho leaves come from the cashew tree, native to tropical South America and now widely cultivated across the globe. Known for its distinctive kidney-shaped seeds (cashew nuts) and vibrant red or yellow cashew apples, the tree thrives in hot, lowland areas. Cashew trees produce leathery, evergreen leaves that form a dense canopy, making them ideal for leaf litter collection. These durable leaves break down slowly, offering long-lasting functionality in naturalistic environments.

In botanical method aquariums, Casho leaves release low levels of tannins, adding a subtle tint to the water and fostering a thriving microbial environment. The decomposing leaves encourage biofilm development, providing excellent grazing surfaces for shrimp, snails, and rasping fishes.

In bioactive enclosures, these leaves become a nutrient-rich food source for isopods, springtails, and other clean-up crews. Small reptiles, dart frogs, and micro geckos love using Casho leaves as natural hiding spots, blending seamlessly into their environment.

Not for Human Consumption. Preparation Required.

Quantities: Each bag contains roughly 35 grams of leaf litter or about 35+ leaves. These range in size from 3" up to 9" so we package them in our largest 32oz compostable bags. This is a natural product; variation between leaves and botanicals is expected.

Aquarium Botanical Location: Amazon Jungles, Perú.

Aquarium Botanical FAQs 

1. Please reference our Shipping and Hassle-Free Return Policy at the bottom of the screen. All Products are packaged inside sustainably sourced and renewable sugar cane fibers allowing them to be fully biodegradable and compostable. Yes, you can bury these bags in your backyard to enrich your soils. 
2. Please refer to our botanical preparation instructions. These Botanicals are grown and harvested in pesticide-free environments and it is recommended to use 2-3 botanical pieces per 5 gallons to start, wait 5-7 days, or for the next water exchange to then add more.
3. Our aquarium and vivarium botanicals, leaves, and seed pods are not for human consumption, ever.
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Commonly Asked Questions:

 

1) Will Botanicals Lower The pH Of My Water?

It entirely depends on your water's chemistry. Soft water will allow the botanicals to lower your pH more than if you have medium or hard water. At Betta Botanicals HQ our tap water is Very Hard, ( 350+ppm) and we do not notice a change in water pH unless using Alder Cones or Macaranga Leaves.

2) What Are The Fluffy White Growth On My Botanicals?

White growths are the colonization of biofilms and fungi. We call this the 'goo phase' and it is totally natural. Botanicals are fuel for the ecosystem and the populations of bacteria and fungi will naturally rise and fall. 

3) I Don't Keep Bettas. Will These Botanicals Be Okay For My Critters?

100% yes. Our botanicals are for aquariums, terrariums, vivariums, and all natural enclosures wishing to recreate a more natural environment.

4) I Have Goldfish and Axolotls, What Botanicals Should I Avoid?

We DO NOT recommend using botanicals that these fish can ingest. Botanicals like casuarina cones, small alder cones, and live oak are not suited for these animals. Large aquarium leaves like Indian almond, loquat, and jackfruit leaf litter are preferred. 

5) When Should I Replace My Aquarium Leaves?

We recommend letting aquarium leaves and seed pods entirely break down into beneficial detritus. You can absolutely remove them after they don’t release tannins anymore, you just won't get all potential benefits of leaving them in the ecosystem.