{"product_id":"clay-pebbles-for-terrariums-natural-drainage-layer","title":"Clay Pebbles for Terrariums – Natural Drainage Layer","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTHE BIT AT THE BOTTOM THAT KEEPS EVERYTHING ELSE HAPPY\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNobody admires a terrarium for its drainage layer. But beneath the moss, these little clay pebbles do one of the most important jobs in the whole build: giving excess water somewhere to go, so your moss and plants aren't left sitting in it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur natural expanded clay pebbles are made by firing clay in a rotary kiln at over 2,000°F, which puffs each piece into a light, round, porous pebble. They're clean, reusable and suitable for terrariums, mossariums and houseplant pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWHY USE CLAY PEBBLES?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTerrariums and most decorative containers have no drainage hole, so any water that isn't taken up by the soil collects at the bottom. A layer of clay pebbles creates a reservoir beneath the growing medium, with air pockets between the pebbles, helping to keep roots and moss out of standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt won't rescue a terrarium that's being overwatered, but it gives your build a much more forgiving foundation. (Here's \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/how-does-a-closed-terrarium-work\"\u003ehow the closed-terrarium water cycle works\u003c\/a\u003e.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHOW TO USE THEM\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd a layer of clay pebbles to the base of your container — around 2–3cm is plenty for most small terrariums.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSprinkle over a thin layer of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/activated-charcoal-terrariums\"\u003eactivated charcoal\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd sphagnum moss or another layer separator to stop soil washing down into the pebbles.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAdd your terrarium soil, moss and suitable plants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor the full build, follow our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/news\/how-to-make-a-moss-terrarium-a-beginner-s-step-by-step-guide\"\u003estep-by-step moss terrarium guide\u003c\/a\u003e. Or, if you'd like all the layers in one go, our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/diy-terrarium-starter-kit\"\u003eDIY Terrarium Starter Kit\u003c\/a\u003e includes drainage, charcoal, sphagnum and soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHOW MUCH DO I NEED?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall bag (500g)\u003c\/strong\u003e — enough for around 1–3 terrariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge bag (900g)\u003c\/strong\u003e — enough for around 3–5 terrariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe exact number depends on the width of your containers and how deep you make the drainage layer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I need a drainage layer in a closed terrarium?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt's strongly recommended. With no drainage hole, excess water has nowhere else to go, and a drainage layer keeps it away from the soil and roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eShould I rinse the pebbles before use?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA quick rinse removes any clay dust and keeps the glass looking clean. Let them drain before adding them to your terrarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use them for houseplants too?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They work well as a drainage layer in pots, as a top dressing, or mixed into a chunky aroid substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan they be reused?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Clay pebbles don't break down, so they can be rinsed and reused in future builds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFreshly packed in Bristol by The Moss Fairy. Free UK delivery. International delivery calculated at checkout.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Moss Fairy","offers":[{"title":"Small Bag - 500g","offer_id":53824385351946,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large Bag - 900g","offer_id":53824385384714,"sku":null,"price":13.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0701\/8001\/2298\/files\/9A5CE297-E199-41DA-A687-3D1BC2F15771.jpg?v=1790600957","url":"https:\/\/themossfairy.com\/products\/clay-pebbles-for-terrariums-natural-drainage-layer","provider":"The Moss Fairy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}