Our professional, pest-free potting mixes are expertly formulated to support the three main types of terrariums: tropical, desert, and carnivorous. We'll ensure each environment gets exactly what it needs to thrive, using only top-quality ingredients in a carefully blended ratio for terrarium success. With free UK delivery included, you can enjoy premium, ready-to-use terrarium substrates delivered straight to your door with complete peace of mind. 'Tropical' Terrariums are those that use leafy houseplants like Ivy, miniature Palms, Peace Lilies, whereas 'Desert' terrariums are for Cacti & Succulent displays. 'Carnivorous' terrariums are for insect-eating plants. Select your soil-type & size and we'll get to work! 🪴 💥 Premixed with ACTIVATED CHARCOAL to keep the soil healthy and reduce the risk of root rot, which also means you won't have to spend extra on getting it yourself!! 💥


£5.75 

Tropical, Desert or Carnivorous display?: *
Compost in Litres: *
Add a Delivery Note to Us (Optional):
Send Us a Pic of Your Chosen Terrarium (Optional!):


📦 20% off orders over £38 {Code: SAVE20} 🪴 30% off orders over £120 {SAVE120} 📦


Meet The Soil Ingredients:

  • Coconut Coir BaseA pest-free foundation for your new potting mix that's 100% traceable to its source, unlike other potting mixes that are made from green waste which carries flies, weeds and mushrooms.
  • Large Grade Perlite: The perlite will act like small structural 'pillars' that'll promote better aeration within the potting mix to prevent root rot & compaction. This is very important for this group of houseplant due to their delicate root systems. 
  • Vermiculite: Encourages a more reliable level of soil moisture to help the root system grow, along with the added benefit of keeping the soil slightly warmer to promote quicker growth rates throughout the year.
  • Sand & GritA balanced amount of fine-graded sand to promote optimum drainage, while providing substance for its root system to interact and grow through. Our sand composition will also help downplay the risk of dehydration and drought-related plant damage to its foliage. 
  • Activated Charcoal & Biochar: Essential for bacteria regulation and overall bio-activity within the potting mix to ensure your terrarium is in top health. 
  • (Optional) Enriched with Worm Castings: Organic worm castings enhance soil fertility and encourage microbial activity, promoting healthy root development and boosting overall plant vitality. This is the secret ingredient to a happy indoor desert dweller. You will never have worms in the soil, just their odourless castings that cannot be seen from the naked eye.


Key Features:

  • Fungus Gnat Free Composition: Grow your houseplant with confidence, knowing there will be no flies or insects in the mix when it arrives! We store our potting mixes for two weeks before confirming they are bug free.
  • Reduces Environmental Shock: Formulated to help mitigate abiotic (environmental) stress, this mix provides a stable and nutrient-rich environment, helping these plants adapt to indoor conditions with reduced risk of shock.
  • Crafted in the UK: Proudly made in the UK with a focus on quality and sustainability, this potting mix reflects the expertise of local craftsmanship, ensuring your plant receives the best possible care.
  • The potting mix has a pH Balance of 6.4.
  • Vegan, peat-free & no animal cruelty. 
  • Once opened, it'll remain fresh for at least twelve months when stored in a dry, cool cabinet/shelf. 


Suitable Plants for This Potting Mix:

Desert Cacti Suitable for This Desert-Themed Terrarium Potting Mix:

  • Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica)
  • Bunny Ears Cactus (Opuntia microdasys)
  • Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii)
  • Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
  • Peruvian Apple Cactus (Cereus repandus)
  • Ladyfinger Cactus (Mammillaria elongata)
  • Old Lady Cactus (Mammillaria hahniana)
  • Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis)
  • Devil’s Tongue Barrel (Ferocactus latispinus)
  • Bishop’s Cap (Astrophytum myriostigma)
  • Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)
  • Balloon Cactus (Parodia magnifica)
  • Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)
  • Dragon Fruit Cactus (Hylocereus undatus, Pitaya Cactus)
  • Easter Cactus (Hatiora gaertneri)
  • Zig Zag Cactus / Fishtail Cactus (Epiphyllum/Discactus anguliger)
  • Queen of the Night Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
  • Mistletoe Cactus (Rhipsalis)


Succulents Suitable for This Desert-Themed Terrarium Potting Mix:
  • Agave americana - Tequila Plants
  • Aloe Vera (Sunburn Plant)
  • Amaryllis Bulbs (Hippeastrum)
  • Burro's Tails (Sedum morganianum)
  • Crown of Jesus Plants (Euphorbia milii)
  • Desert Roses
  • Echeveria (ALL species)
  • Euphorbia trigona (African Milk Bush Cactus)
  • Gasteria (ALL species)
  • Haworthia (ALL Species, like the Zebra Cacti)
  • Jade Plant / Money Tree (Crassula ovata)
  • Kalanchoe (Flaming Katies)
  • Living Stones (Lithops, etc.)
  • Madagascan Palms
  • Papyrus
  • Parachute Plants
  • Ponytail Palms (Beaucarnea / Nolina)
  • Portulacaria afra (Mini Jade Tree)
  • Sago Palms & Zamia
  • Sansevieria - (All Succulent Species, including: Mother-In-Law's Tongue / Snake Plant, Rocket Plants, Fernwood IKEA, African Spears, etc.)
  • Sedum (ALL Species)
  • Silver Squill (Ledebouria)
  • String of Bananas
  • String of Dolphins
  • String of Hearts
  • String of Pearls (Curio rowleyanus)
  • Stephania erecta


Houseplants Suitable for This Tropical-Themed Terrarium Potting Mix:
  • Baby Tears Plants (Soleirolia soleirolii, Helxine)
  • Indoor Begonia
  • Crotons (Codiaeum)
  • Devil's Ivy (Pothos, Epipremnum, Scindapsus)
  • Dracaena (Dragon Trees)
  • Ferns (Asparagus, Bird's Nest, Boston Ferns, Maidenhair Ferns)
  • Ficus (Weeping Figs, Ficus Benjamina)
  • Indoor Palms (Parlour Palms)
  • Nerve Plants (Fittonia)
  • Norfolk Island Pines
  • Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)
  • Pilea (All Species, including Pilea peperomioides & Pilea mollis)
  • Prayer Plants (Calathea, Maranta, Ctenanthe, Stromanthe, Goeppertia)
  • Rhaphidophora
  • Sagina (Irish Moss)
  • Spider Plants
  • Swedish Ivy
  • Tradescantia & Callisia (Wondering Jew, Inch Plants, etc.)
  • & More...


Carnivorous Plants Suitable for This Carnivorous-Themed Terrarium Potting Mix:
  • Cephalotus
  • Darlingtonia
  • Drosera (Sundews)
  • Nepenthes (Monkey Traps)
  • Pinguicula (Butterworts)
  • Pitcher Plants (Sarracenia)
  • Utricularia
  • Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea muscipula)


❓ Can't find your plant on this list? Send us a message & we'll let you know which terrarium type is best for it! 



Sizes

Don't know the size of your terrarium? Have a look at the second image above to determine if yours is a small, medium or large terrarium! Most Terrariums can hold around 4L of potting mix, but those that are larger or deeper will most likely need to opt for the 10L option. You can always send us a message/email with a photo of your terrarium or container to get our expert opinion on the perfect amount. 🪴 

Size (Litres)Ideal for...
1LSmall to Very Small Terrariums
4LMedium / Average Sized Terrariums
10LLarge Terrariums
15LVery Large Terrariums, or Various Smaller Terrariums



FAQs

How Long Will This Potting Mix Last In This Terrarium?

There is no definite 'end' to this potting mix. As long as you're careful not to over-water this potting mix (causing water logging, etc.), the soil will remain healthy and useable for your plants. 


What Does 'Bio-Active Mean'?

Selecting the bio-active selection incorporates both Worm Castings and Biochar, which both will help with the overall health of your new potting mix. The soil will promote a better relationship with the root system, which in turn will aid the plant’s wellbeing, photosynthesis and ability to deal with pests/diseases like root rot!


Can I Make A Terrarium in the Autumn or Winter?

Yes! You can make a terrarium at any point of the year, whether that to be in the warmer months or during the height of winter.  


Should I Water The Plants Before or After They Go Into The Terrarium?

We always recommend watering your houseplant around 12 hours before potting so that the plant is hydrated and strong enough for its repot. If you forget to water beforehand, it's not the end of the world as long as you're very gentle with the root system. It's also advised to wait two days before giving the plant another water again, just so it gives enough time for your plant to settle into its new home.


How Do I Water My Terrarium?

As your display won't have drainage holes, you must be very careful about avoiding water logging. The watering regime for Terrariums depend if yours is an open or closed terrarium;


How to Water an Open Terrarium

Open terrariums will need to watered with the mindset of 'little and often'. Once every five days, we recommend pouring around 50ml of water around the base of each plant. Don't allow the terrarium to become waterlogged and gently tip the terrarium to the side to drain any excess that builds up at its base. 


How to Water a Closed Terrarium

Closed terrariums are much easier to care for as they'll only need watering once in their lifetime. Gently pour water into the display until the soil is evenly moist. A rough ratio of how much to give your terrarium is 80ml per 1L of soil purchased. You won't have to water the terrarium while the lid is on as it'll trap the moisture for around two years. (Top up if necessary after this period though). 



How to Store This Potting Mix

It's best to keep the lid of the potting mix slightly ajar by around 20% to help it have aeration while in storage. The best place to store the potting mix is in a cool, dark shelf or cabinet until you need it next.



Need Any Further Product Help or Professional Houseplant Advice?
If you need any help at all, please feel free to reach out to us via the 'Contact Me' section on this website. Our professional houseplant advisor (THE HOUSEPLANT DOCTOR™) will directly respond to your questions quickly so you feel 100% confident about the next steps with your plant - regardless if they're healthy or need a helping-hand! That's the ukhouseplants difference. 🪴 



🔗 GOOGLE TAGS
Professional terrarium repotting requires a pest-free, anti–fungus gnat substrate, with proper drainage layers, activated charcoal, airy soil, and careful moisture management to prevent overwatering, fungus gnats, and root rot, with guidance on how to repot a terrarium, when to repot, how often to repot, gently removing compacted or mouldy soil, trimming dying roots, refreshing the mix, improving airflow, and avoiding soggy conditions that lead to root rot symptoms such as curling leaves, yellowed leaves, limp foliage, black, mushy or dying roots, mould growth, foul-smelling soil, especially important for moisture-sensitive terrarium plants like fittonia (nerve plants), chlorophytum (spider plants), bromeliads, parlour palms (Chamaedorea elegans), sagina subulata (Irish moss), peperomia, ferns, selaginella, pilea, mini begonias, mosses, and other humidity-loving species, and this professional repotting mix avoids and stops leaf loss, improves drainage control, stabilises humidity, and future-proofs terrariums against rot and pests, protecting the top fifty indoor plants commonly associated with root rot including Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii, pothos (Devil’s Ivy), philodendron hederaceum, philodendron birkin, peace lily, snake plant, ZZ plant, fiddle leaf fig, rubber plant, ficus benjamina, aloe vera, jade plant, spider plant, boston fern, maidenhair fern, calathea orbifolia, calathea triostar, maranta, stromanthe, dieffenbachia, aglaonema, dracaena marginata, dracaena fragrans, yucca, schefflera, hoya, peperomia, fittonia, begonia, alocasia, colocasia, syngonium, tradescantia, strelitzia, anthurium, pilea peperomioides, bromeliads, african violet, parlour palm, ponytail palm, indoor citrus, orchids, norfolk pine, helping maintain healthy roots, controlled moisture, and long-term growth inside enclosed terrarium environments.

As the following list is rather long, if you're unsure with the ideal compost for your houseplant don't hesitate to send us an email! 😊

Tropical Terrariums 

Tropical Plants to Add Height to the Terrarium
  • Bromeliads - Tillandsia (Air Plants & Terrestrial Species), Billbergia, Bromelia & Vrisea.
  • Crotons
  • Ferns - Boston, Dryopteris, Maidenhair (Adiantum) & Rabbit Foot Ferns
  • Moonlight Valley Plant - Pilea mollis & P. involucrata
  • Parlour Palms - Chamaedorea elegans
  • Senecio cephalophorus
  • Syngonium

Tropical Ground-Cover Plants
  • Baby Tears - Soleirolia or Helexine
  • Callisia - Turtle Vines
  • Fittonia - Nerve Plants
  • Maidenhair Vines - Meuhlenbeckia
  • Sagina - Irish Moss or Pearlworts
  • Sphagnum - Peat Moss
  • Tradescantia - Inch Plants or Wondering Jews
N. B. - Although Spider Plants are a great candidate for a tropical display, they'll quickly out-grow their surroundings within the following months.



Desert Terrariums

  • Aloe Vera 
  • Desert Cacti
  • Elephant's Bush - Portulacaria afra
  • Euphorbia trigona - African Milk Bush
  • Jade Plants / Money Trees
  • Lithops - Livingstones
  • Pachypodium - Madagascan Palms
  • Ponytail Palms - Beaucarnia or Nolina
  • Rhipsalis baccifera - Mistletoe Cactus
  • Sansevieria - Mother-In-Law's Tongue / Snake Plant, Rocket Plants & African Spears
  • String of Pearls, Bananas or Dolphins
  • Most Succulents - Aloe, Crassula, Curio, Echeveria, Euphorbia, Gasteria, Haworthia, Portulacaria afra, Sedum, Sempervivum, Senecio, etc.

Note:
Like saving money, time and confusion? Why not purchase our 'Terrarium Kit' that includes the same handcrafted compost you see here, decorative stones for its drainage, and top-quality activated charcoal to maintain a healthy balance of soil bacteria. All in one box with FREE delivery!

  • Combine the Right Plants: Never rush into buying every small plant that you see at a store. Always decide on whether you're going to create a Desert or Tropical themed display. Combining a desert-dweller with a moisture-loving specimen will serve nothing but grief for both parties, as one will either be under or over-watered. 
  • Successful terrariums require good drainage, so make sure you have a basal layer of stones, a thin layer of 'Activated Charcoal' and the correct potting mix. (Desert-themed displays need 'Cactus' labelled soil, whereas tropical displays need 'Houseplant' compost).
  • Need to purchase the stones and activated charcoal, too? Why not buy our 'Terrarium Kit', which will include everything you need to provide the best drainage for your terrarium! (Charcoal, compost, and coloured stones).
  • Maintain bright light. We recommend keeping your Tropical terrarium in a bright windowsill without any direct sun (north or east-facing windows are best). In contrast, Desert-themed displays should at least be exposed to morning or evening sunlight, like a south or west-facing window.
You can always book a 1-1 Video Call with Joe Bagley if you have any queries or questions!
This product comprises individually-sourced components to create our quality potting mix. Its sustainable, basal component (coconut coir) is peat-free sourced from a well-established company in southern England that comply with strict production regulations in the U.K.. We then quality check & combine with the suitable ingredients to improve the overall soil structure and replicate the ecological habitats of temperate and tropical climates.

All our products include recyclable packaging/materials, with deliveries made to the local Post Office/Royal Mail Sorting Office or parcel depot via our fully-electric vehicle.
All of our composts come in a resealable bag, so never worry about having a little extra left over. Simply enclose the lid and situate it in a dry, dark area away from pets and children. The soil's freshness will last at least twelve months once opened, so it's great for emergency repotting and top-ups.
Unfortunately, our handcrafted composts are only available to those in the U.K., due to E.U. trading laws on plant-based materials. However, if you are in the U.K., expect free delivery and postage within three days of purchase! 
ukhouseplants has a rich history of excellence within the indoor plant community. Its horticulturally-trained founder, Joe Bagley, is a well-known Instagram influencer for all things green, amassing over 55K followers and 5,000+ daily website users with his easy-to-follow tips, tricks and advice. ( @ukhouseplants / ukhouseplants.com ). He has featured on BBC’s Gardeners World and BBC Radio, as well as with working alongside giants like the RHS and Dulux to promote the connection between mental health improvement and houseplants.

His carefully chosen ingredients and attention to detail within each batch of potting mix set his products apart from the rest. All soils are peat-free, handcrafted to order and always pest-free (Fungus Gnats, Soil Mites, etc.). He believes a healthy, functioning root system always starts with a nutritious, well-structured foundation that balances water retention, oxygenation and soil nutrients in perfect harmony. Why not treat your green pal to his top-quality potting mixes; the best sub-terrain companions on the internet? 🪴
Any good compost will only hold a certain volume of water before dripping the excess through the drainage holes. With this in mind, you're most likely going to cause root rot by watering the plant too often instead of the exact amount of water per drink.

Here's an example. It's far better to water the plant 7L in one go once a week, as supposed to 1L per day for the entire week. The roots won't be able to access the oxygen within the soil, which is critical for reducing the development of root rot. Like bubbles in an ocean, the air will rise when the potting mix is wet, so it's essential to allow the soil to dry slightly between drinks to regain the oxygen.

Our Repotting Kits are designed to maximise both the air circulation and soil structure around your plant's roots, meaning that it'll have the very best conditions for optimal growth. Remember not to water the soil too frequently, and your little friend will very much enjoy his new home!

We'll send you a confirmation email with the purchase's receipt, along with a Step-by-Step Guide on repotting your plant. You can then refer to the guide once your compost arrives! 😊
Send us an email via this link to ask any further queries you may have about our potting mixes! 😊
Returns Policy
The customer has a right to request a return within 31 days of the order arriving at the location stated in the order form. Unless faulty, damaged, or not as described, the customer will pay for delivery back to our business address (provided upon return request via email). Once the returned item(s) have arrived at our business, we aim to refund the customer within a few hours, but up to three days after the parcel's arrival.

The Parcel Has Arrived Damaged
In circumstances where the parcel has been damaged beyond use, we will endeavour to either send a replacement of damaged items or issue a refund where applicable. The customer agrees to fill any legal documentation of this damage which will then be sent to the courier that transported & delivered the parcel in order for us (ukhouseplants) to request a refund on the damaged items. Items must be reported as damaged within 2 weeks of the parcel arriving at the destination provided on the order form.

The Parcel Is Lost (or Has Been Marked as 'Delivered' but I Don't Have It)
In cases of a lost parcel, we will ask for the customer to check all locations within their property (including communal areas where applicable), along with other persons in their property or communal areas (where applicable). If the parcel is still not located, we will file an investigation for the courier to explain the circumstances. We aim to send out a replacement parcel within one week of the parcel being notified as lost (by the customer), and will always ensure a parcel gets to the customers address. Further, the customer agrees to fill any legal documentation of this damage which will then be sent to the courier that transported & delivered the parcel in order for us (ukhouseplants) to request a refund on the lost items. If applicable, once the applicable document ('Denial of Receipt') is signed by the customer, we will immediately send out a replacement. This document will then be sent to the relevant courier for further investigation on their behalf. Data Protection is in concordance with our Privacy Policy. (At the bottom of this webpage).

I Have Received the Wrong Item
We are sorry if the customer has received an incorrect item and will send out a replacement batch of the correct parcel upon being notified of the order. We must be notified within 2 weeks of the order arriving at the address stated in the order form by the customer. The customer can keep the incorrect product as a further gesture of goodwill.

Delivery Information
In concordance to the commercial laws around Selling At Distance, we use third party couriers to deliver our parcels to the customers (we use, but not limited to, the Royal Mail, DPD, Evri & ParcelForce). In order to fulfil the order of distant selling, we forward the customer's details to the chosen courier. (Name, Delivery Details, Email or Phone number (if provided) & the weight/content of the parcel). No other information is sent to the courier & is strictly between us (ukhouseplants) & the courier. Our customers' details will never be used for financial or commercial gain and is treated with the utmost respect & protection. This is within GDPR laws outlined on our Privacy Policy & Cookies Policy.

Contact Information
Please contact us if you have any questions on the information raised above via ukhouseplants (ukhouseplants@gmail.com)