exo terra plantation soil review

Exo Terra Plantation Soil Review A Natural Terrarium Substrate

Exo Terra Plantation Soil is a popular natural terrarium substrate made from compressed coconut husk fibers. This 100% natural substrate has become a top choice for reptile and amphibian keepers looking to increase humidity levels and provide a safe, naturalistic habitat.

In this detailed review, we’ll take an in-depth look at Exo Terra Plantation Soil to see if it lives up to the hype. We’ll cover its key features and benefits, pros and cons, costs, and tips for proper use and maintenance. Read on to find out if Exo Terra Plantation Soil is the right terrarium substrate for your reptile or amphibian habitat.

Overview of Exo Terra Plantation Soil

Exo Terra Plantation Soil is made by Exo Terra, a popular manufacturer of terrarium products and accessories This substrate is made from all-natural compressed coconut husk fibers which are responsibly sourced

The fibrous texture and porous structure of the coconut husk enable it to absorb and retain moisture while allowing sufficient airflow. Exo Terra Plantation Soil comes in bricks which are compressed blocks of the substrate.

To prepare the bricks for use, they simply need to be soaked in water for 30 minutes until fully expanded. Each 8.8 liter brick will expand to fill about 1.5 cubic feet of terrarium space. The soil can also be purchased in loose bags ready for immediate use.

Key Features and Benefits

Here are the main features and benefits of using Exo Terra Plantation Soil as a terrarium substrate:

• 100% All Natural: Made purely from coconut husk fibers, Exo Terra Plantation Soil contains no chemical additives or fillers. This makes it safe for reptiles, amphibians, plants, and clean-up crews.

• Increases Humidity: The porous structure and moisture-retaining abilities of the coconut husk fibers help increase and stabilize humidity levels. This is ideal for tropical species.

• Environmentally Friendly: As a renewable, biodegradable material, coconut fiber is more eco-friendly than substrates like peat moss which are non-renewable resources.

• Safe for Burrowing: The loose, lightweight texture encourages natural burrowing behaviors. Species like frogs, salamanders, and snakes can tunnel through it safely.

• Odor Control: Coconut husks contain compounds that help suppress unpleasant odors from waste and decaying food in the terrarium.

• Natural Look: With its earthy brown color and fibrous composition, Exo Terra Plantation Soil has an organic, naturalistic look fitting for a tropical terrarium.

• Nutritious for Plants: Coconut fiber offers nutritional benefits for live terrarium plants. It’s suitable for planting directly into as a soil base layer.

Pros and Cons of Exo Terra Plantation Soil

Here are the main advantages and potential drawbacks to consider when deciding if Exo Terra Plantation Soil fits your needs:

Pros:

• Boosts humidity levels safely
• Encourages natural behaviors like burrowing
• Provides odor control
• Nutritious substrate for plants
• Eco-friendly and sustainable
• Naturalistic look
• Easy to prepare and use
• Can be mixed with other substrates

Cons:

• Doesn’t hold extremely high moisture levels
• Needs misting frequently in drier terrariums
• Low density allows waste to filter through
• Risk of mold without proper drainage
• Potential for mites without preventative measures

As you can see, the pros seem to outweigh the cons for most keepers. The main complaints are that it dries out faster and doesn’t retain as much moisture as some denser coconut fiber substrates. Proper misting and drainage can help maximize its humidity-boosting abilities.

Costs of Exo Terra Plantation Soil

A 8.8 liter brick of Exo Terra Plantation Soil costs $10-15 on average. The smaller 4 liter loose bags cost around $5-8 each. Buying in bulk bags of 6 bricks or more can help lower the per-unit price.

Compared to other natural substrates, Exo Terra Plantation Soil is very reasonably priced for the quality. It costs noticeably less than competitors like Zoo Med Eco Earth while offering similar performance. The brick format stretches the material further compared to loose coconut substrates.

Tips for Proper Use

Here are some top tips for getting the most out of Exo Terra Plantation Soil:

• Soak bricks thoroughly before use for maximum expansion. Let soak for at least 30 minutes.

• Create a 2-4 inch base layer for most setups. Use 4+ inches for burrowing species like frogs.

• Spot clean daily and replace completely every 4-6 months. Look for mold growth.

• Use leaf litter on top of the soil to help retain humidity and discourage mold growth.

• Add springtails to help control mold and breakdown waste. Isopods also help aerate the soil.

• For drier terrariums, mix in a moisture-retaining substrate like sphagnum moss or orchid bark.

• Check humidity levels often and mist when needed to keep in the ideal range for your species.

By following these tips, you can maintain the performance of Exo Terra Plantation Soil and prevent common issues like mold growth and drying out. Taking the time to properly prepare and maintain any terrarium substrate is key to success.

Ideal Species for Exo Terra Plantation Soil

Due to its natural structure and moisture-retaining abilities, Exo Terra Plantation Soil works well for:

• Dart frogs
• Tomato frogs
• Fire-bellied toads
• Red-eyed tree frogs
• Crested geckos
• Day geckos
• Green anoles
• Ball pythons
• Sand boas
• Corn snakes
• Chameleons
• Iguanas
• Skinks
• Tegus
• Beardies (mixed with sand)
• Tropical plants like bromeliads, orchids, mosses

Essentially, it can be used for any tropical or subtropical amphibian or reptile species that would benefit from increased humidity levels. Just be sure to account for the specific needs of the species when using Exo Terra Plantation Soil.

The Bottom Line

Overall, Exo Terra Plantation Soil stands out as one of the most beginner-friendly and affordable natural coconut fiber substrates on the market. It reliably increases humidity, encourages natural behaviors, resists odors, and provides nutrition to plants. With proper preparation and maintenance, it can be an excellent substrate choice for tropical terrariums.

The biggest drawbacks are that it doesn’t retain ultra-high moisture levels or stand up to heavy abuse quite as well as denser substrates. However, for most hobbyists the pros clearly outweigh those minor downsides, especially given the reasonable price. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly, easy-to-use substrate to create a naturalistic tropical terrarium habitat, Exo Terra Plantation Soil is a great option worth trying out.