Soil Layer

Our Soil Layer selection includes the essential materials needed to build a healthy base for your terrarium. From activated charcoal to premium potting mixes, these components help regulate moisture and support plant growth.

You can also browse our full range of soil and mixes for houseplants and other greenery.

Soil Layer

  • Terrarium, Vivarium and Mossarium Potting Mix Soil by Highland Moss

    Terrarium, Vivarium and Mossarium Potting Mix Soil by Highland Moss

    From: £4.00

    The Highland Moss Terrarium Potting Mix is a handmade blend of high-quality ingredients that are specially formulated for terrariums. This premium mix is perfect for creating a base for a lush, healthy, and vibrant terrarium environment.

    Suitable for open and closed terrariums, mossariums, moss bowls and kokedama.

    The mix includes a combination of our fresh, hand-picked sphagnum moss with other ingredients to create ideal drainage, water retention and humidity inside your terrarium to ensure optimal plant growth.Make sure you have everything you need

    Terrarium Checklist

    Materials you need to create a terrarium:

    • Terrarium Soil: A specialist blend that is tailored for humidity-loving plants
    • Sphagnum Moss: Helps with water retention and improves drainage
    • Activated Charcoal: To prevent mould and provide an additional layer of filtration
    • Drainage layer: Stones or clay pebbles for added drainage
    • Selection of Humidity-loving plants: A variety of plants that thrive in high-humidity environments
    • Decorative Stones: To add a decorative touch around your plants
    • Cushion or Sheet Moss: To add a natural touch around your plants
    • Additional decorations: Use crystals, favourite ornaments, pieces of wood, bark or anything else you want
    • Glass container: can be closed or opened, the best is made of clear glass
    • Springtails: Make your terrarium a bio-active thriving environment with those little helpers
    • Tools: Help you create a beautiful terrarium and maintain it later
    • Mister: Delicately spray a gentle mist of water, ensuring your plants receive the moisture they need to thrive
    Select optionsLoading Done This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
  • Activated Charcoal For Plants Terrariums 100g

    Activated Charcoal For Plants Terrariums 100g

    £6.00

    Activated charcoal (charcoal heated to increase its adsorptive power) is a great house plant soil amendment that can help improve your plants health.

    • perfect to add as a layer for your open or closed terrarium
    • helps prevent mould and bacteria growth
    • improve water circulation and prevent overwatering

    Mix the charcoal with soil or add a layer on the bottom to improve drainage, absorb odours, and toxins and prevent moulds as well as balance/lower pH.

    It is an excellent absorbent which can absorb fertilizer and release slowly for a longer period providing a healthy dose on a regular basis.

    Perfect for mossariums and terrariums too!

    100g paper zip bag or plastic container

Soil Layer – Creating the Perfect Base for Your Terrarium

The soil layer is the heart of any terrarium, providing essential nutrients and structure for your plants to grow and thrive. It sits above the drainage layer and supports root development, water retention, and airflow.

The soil layer works best when paired with a layer of activated charcoal, which helps filter excess moisture and keep the environment fresh. Adding activated charcoal between the drainage and soil layers supports healthy roots by reducing mould, bacteria, and odours.

In addition to function, the soil layer plays a visual role in your terrarium’s overall look. Layering it carefully can add depth and contrast, especially when paired with decorative elements like rocks or moss.

For product recommendations and layering ideas, visit our collection of terrarium drainage essentials.

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At Highland Moss, we take pride in our plants, customer service, and expert care advice. But don’t just take our word for it—our community of plant lovers has spoken! With over 3,400 verified 5-star reviews, our customers love our healthy plants, expert packaging, and fast delivery.

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Lovely moss balls! Wonderful gift for my sister who is going to university, to find a loophole for the “no pets” rule ☺️

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2 days ago
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Great plants and products, great people and a great shop !!!

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