Previous terrariums have done well, but I want to get the soil JUST right since I am creating so many at one time. Of course, there will be a layer of charcoal and drainage. Here is what I have come up with for a terrarium containing Moss, Selaginella and Ferns: 1:1:1 • Coir • Potting Soil • Perlite and • A bit of Charcoal mixed in • 1/2" - 1" layer of Coir on top Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Jeff
Hello; For what it's worth, I would replace the perlite with chopped sphagnum, and skip the layering- maybe using bark or coconut hull chips as a topdressing for looks. I also use a very little sprinkle of ground limestone in the mix. Whatever charcoal does, it does seem to improve my terrariums, but I think drainage layers are something that should have disappeared with the murky algae filled terrariums of the '70s. They don't really drain anything, they just hold stagnant, anaerobic water under the plants and limit the root growth down there. I suggested Sphagnum because my ferns and several other things all seem to like it in the terrarium mix; the tropical mosses don't seem to care one way or the other. It keeps the mix springy and open for a long time. Occasionally some will come to life and grow in there too, which usually just adds to the lush forest look. I personally use a mix of coir-based potting soil and chopped sphagnum, about 2:1. There's already some perlite or pumice in the potting soil. Vincent
Sounds excellent. I find the perlite tends to pop out from under the mix and I end up with little white granules all over my moss. I'll definitely try the sphagnum. Thank you! Jeff
