topsoil for plants for lay box

[tahafisaka6]

I loved the video for the laybox setup. Im trying to setup as shown, but im not finding organic topsoil. Everything i find has either steer or poultry manure in it. Is this ok to use for the lay box?

 

[Mike Fisher]

I don't use any topsoil or potting mix. Too much bacteria in that. I use a 50/50 mix by volume of sphagnum peat moss and washed play sand.

 

[tahafisaka6]

That is what you use for your plants? Or just the box? If just for the lay box, what do you use for your plants? Currently i have a lay box with just moistened. Washed play sand. I liked the video so thought i woud repot my plants as suggested and thought it would be good for a second lay. Box giving her options using the best environment.

Thank you for your post

 

[Mike Fisher]

That is what you use for your plants? Or just the box?

That's what I use for both. I also use those plant stake fertilizers in the roots on occasion to keep the plants healthy.

 

[junglefries]

Home Depot sells organic fertilizer for $1.96 a bag. One bag mixed with 1/4 playsand makes about 3 bins worth for me. Change out every two months and scoop the poop as needed. (I did ask the question on here once, as to when to change out soil. I was told 10 months. So, i change mine a little more often than some).

 

[Mike Fisher]

Organic fertilizers usually contain things like manure so I avoid them. They also have a high amount of larger debris from the composted material added. Probably fine for laying boxes and potted plants but my enclosures are fully planted and I don't want that in my cages full time.

 

[junglefries]

Should have said topsoil, not fertilizer. Automatic typing changed on phone somehow, and can't fix. Everytime i hit delete, it doubles the word too. Stupid phone.

 

[LookinRound]

That's what I use for both. I also use those plant stake fertilizers in the roots on occasion to keep the plants healthy.

Do you have any pictures of what the soil looks like on the floor when you have it all planted? Does the moss break down quickly and do you replace it or just leave it?

 

[Mike Fisher]

Do you have any pictures of what the soil looks like on the floor when you have it all planted? Does the moss break down quickly and do you replace it or just leave it?

It looks like damp peat moss mixed with sand. I'm assuming you are thinking of regular moss. Peat moss is usually one of the main components of potting soil. Basically I'm making my own potting soil with the sand and peat so that it does not contain chunks of bark, perlite or fertilizer that could harm my chameleons.