Lava rock fine 2.5l (terrarium base layer/false bottom)

Drainage and Aeration: Lava rock is highly porous, which makes it an excellent material for providing drainage and aeration in a terrarium. When used as a bottom layer, it helps prevent water from pooling at the bottom of the terrarium, which can lead to root rot. The air pockets within the rock also promote air circulation and oxygen availability for plant roots.

Stability and Support: Lava rock provides a stable and supportive base for the plants in your terrarium. Its irregular shape and texture allow it to interlock and create a solid foundation for the layers above it.

Moisture Regulation: While lava rock promotes drainage, it can also retain some moisture within its porous structure. This can help maintain a consistent level of moisture around the roots of the plants, preventing them from drying out too quickly.

Decoration: Lava rock can be used decoratively to create natural-looking landscapes within your terrarium. Its rough and textured surface can mimic natural rock formations, adding to the aesthetic appeal of your miniature ecosystem.

When using lava rock in a terrarium:

Bottom Layer: Place a layer of lava rock at the bottom of the terrarium to create a drainage and aeration layer. This layer typically ranges from 1 to 3 inches in depth, depending on the size of your terrarium.

Barrier: To prevent the potting mix from mixing with the lava rock layer, you can add a fine mesh or horticultural fabric on top of the lava rock before adding the potting mix.

Potting Mix: Add an appropriate potting mix on top of the barrier layer. This is where your plants will root and grow.

Planting: Plant your chosen terrarium plants in the potting mix layer. The lava rock layer beneath will help facilitate proper drainage and aeration for the plants.

Top Dressing: As a finishing touch, you can use smaller pieces of lava rock as a top dressing to cover the potting mix and create a natural appearance.

Lava rock is particularly suitable for plants that prefer well-draining soil conditions, such as succulents, cacti, air plants, and other arid-loving species. However, as with any terrarium substrate, it's important to research the specific needs of your chosen plants and adjust your terrarium setup accordingly to provide the best growing conditions.