Substrate

Terrarium - A Living Slice of Nature

The substrate is the heart of every terrascape. It not only influences the aesthetic appearance, but is also crucial for the health and growth of the plants. Sand, gravel and Aquasoil are popular types of substrate, each offering specific advantages for different terrascaping projects. Adding coconut fiber, expanding humus, activated carbon and lava granules can significantly improve the quality and functionality of your terrarium.

Sand is a fine-grained substrate that is ideal for terrascapes imitating a desert or beach landscape. It allows fast drainage and prevents waterlogging. Sand is also ideal for creating soft contours and dunes and offers a natural look. However, it is low in nutrients, which is why additional fertilization may be necessary for plant-rich terrascapes.

Gravel is an excellent choice for terrariums that need a robust and natural base. With its larger grain size, gravel promotes good water circulation and is therefore ideal for aquaterrariums in which healthy root growth is essential. Gravel also provides a stable base for hardscape elements and is available in a wide range of colors to complement the design of your terrascape.

Aquasoil is a substrate developed specifically for plant growth. It is rich in nutrients and supports the development of a strong root system. Aquasoil is the ideal choice for demanding plants and for terrascapes aiming for a lush, green atmosphere. Its porous structure encourages the colonization of beneficial bacteria and the uptake of nutrients by the plant roots.

Coconut fiber, a natural soil conditioner, is an organic material known for its airy structure and its ability to retain moisture well. It is ideal for terrariums that require high humidity and supports root aeration, which is especially important for epiphytic plants such as orchids and bromeliads.

Expanding humus, often made from compressed coconut fiber, swells when water is added and forms a fertile, loose substrate. It is rich in organic nutrients, provides an excellent basis for the growth of terrarium plants, promotes microfauna and supports a healthy root system.

Activated carbon in the substrate helps bind pollutants and odors, ensuring a cleaner terrarium environment. It can be added when layering the substrate to promote ecological balance and reduce the risk of mold and rot.

Lava granules are a volcanic product that is excellent as a drainage layer. They effectively prevent waterlogging, promote soil aeration and at the same time provide a stable foundation for the roots. Their porous structure also helps store excess nutrients and release them to the plants as needed.

Combining these materials allows you to create a tailor-made substrate for your terrascape. Whether you want to design a dry desert landscape with sand and gravel, are aiming for a moist rainforest terrarium with coconut fiber and expanding humus, or want a balanced ecosystem with the added cleaning power of activated carbon and drainage from lava granules - in our online shop, you'll find all the components you need to give your plants optimal conditions. Discover our diverse range of substrate materials and create a terrascape that not only looks impressive, but also promotes healthy growth and a harmonious ecosystem.