Dragonscale Wood is an extraordinary hardscape material featuring a sculptural surface rich in holes, ridges, and vertical texture-reminiscent of dragon skin or ancient bark. Its weathered, natural appearance and intricate voids create dramatic light and shadow interplay, perfect for layouts that demand texture and depth.

Each piece is naturally eroded, making it ideal for epiphytic plants and mosses. These hollows and crevices create opportunities for beautiful plant anchoring while mimicking aged forest environments or volcanic rockscapes.

Whether used as a vertical statement piece or a carved detail in a complex scape, Dragonscale Wood offers true wabi-sabi elegance-inviting creativity and expressive composition.

The WIO difference: Each piece is selected for its high sculptural potential and natural integrity. Dragonscale Wood can also be crafted or shaped for custom expressions in design.

• Key Points

  • Dragon Skin Texture: Deeply grooved and perforated surface for dramatic chiaroscuro.
  • Natural Wabi-Sabi: Each piece displays weathered beauty and expressive imperfection.
  • Plant-Ready: Ideal for attaching mosses and epiphytic plants in hollows and crests.
  • Customizable: Can be carved or shaped for bespoke compositions.
  • Versatile: Perfect for aquariums, paludariums, and terrariums.
  • Packaging: Sold by piece. Available in Extra Small <10 cm(4in), Small 10-20 cm(4to8in), and Medium sizes 20-30 cm(8 to 12in).
  • Origin: Naturally weathered wood, untreated and full of character.

• Usage

  Preparation and Handling Precautions

  • Curing Required: Dragonscale Wood should be properly cured before aquatic use.
  • Basic Curing (for decorative or small-scale use):
    - Soak in warm water for 24 hours.
    - Rinse thoroughly before placing.
  • Intensive Curing (for sensitive aquatic environments):
    - Boil for 30–60 minutes to reduce tannins and prepare surface for planting.
    - Follow with daily water soaking until water is clear.
  • Gradual Introduction: Especially in smaller systems, start with a piece or two and monitor conditions.

  Initial Buoyancy

  • May float initially. Soak thoroughly or secure using WIO’s ScapeGlue Kits, stones, or anchors until fully waterlogged.

  Natural Organic Material

  • Each piece varies in texture, form, and hole patterns-these variations are what make it exceptional.

  Water Monitoring

  • Tannins may be released in the early stage, especially from dense sections.
  • Maintain kH ≥ 3 to buffer and stabilize pH.
  • Test pH, kH, and gH weekly during early use.
  • Perform partial water changes as needed; activated carbon can help control water tint.
  • Biofilm or saprolegnia may appear in early weeks-this is normal and temporary.

  Placement

  • Shadow Play & Texture: Stand Dragonscale Wood vertically or stagger pieces at different angles to create dramatic light play and depth.
  • Use hollows and crevices for planting mosses, Bucephalandra, or Anubias.
  • Combine with dark substrates or fine sands to emphasize texture and contrast.

Inventory Accuracy

If this item is at low stock, or you are ordering all or almost all of our current inventory, there may be an inventory discrepency. We will contact you about any issues as soon as possible.

Order Processing

  Please allow 24 to
48 hrs to process your order.  Expect an
email within 48 hrs to let you know your order is on your way.

Store Pickup

  If you choose “Pickup
in Store” at checkout, an email will be sent when your order is ready for
pickup.  Orders can be picked up during
store hours, see our home page for our current hours.  The pick up address is 6637 Easton Rd,
Pipersville, PA 18947

Domestic Shipping Rates

  Shipping charges, if
any, for your order will be calculated and displayed at checkout.