Exo Terra Sub Stratum

Exo Terra Sub Stratum – Living Volcanic Soil for Your Terrarium

What if your terrarium substrate not only provided support for plants but also fostered natural soil life? That’s exactly what Exo Terra Sub Stratum is designed to do. This special substrate consists of porous volcanic soil from Japan. It provides plenty of air for plant roots while also supporting important processes in the soil.

In addition, the material contains live beneficial bacteria. These help break down organic matter, creating a good foundation for a natural, bioactive terrarium.

Its versatility makes it particularly practical. You can use the substrate on its own, mix it with other substrate, or use it as a base layer.

At INSEKTENLIEBE, you can purchase Exo Terra Sub Stratum in 2 kg and 4 kg packages. This way, you can find the right amount for both small and large terrariums.

Volcanic Soil from Japan – The Power of Nature

Exo Terra Sub Stratum comes from the Aso Volcano region in Japan. Over a long period of time, volcanic deposits there have created a unique type of soil.

Its small grains have many fine pores. This allows water to flow easily through the material. At the same time, there is space for air between the grains.

This is especially important for plants, because their roots need not only moisture but also oxygen.

In addition, volcanic soil contains various minerals, which form a natural foundation for the soil.

Thus, Exo Terra Sub Stratum combines the benefits of loose soil with the properties of natural volcanic material.

Live bacteria help break down plant debris

In a healthy terrarium, many tiny helpers work together.

Springtails and Isopods break down dead leaves. At the same time, bacteria break down other organic matter.

Exo Terra Sub Stratum supports these processes because it contains live beneficial bacteria of the genus Bacillus.

As soon as the substrate receives enough moisture, these bacteria find suitable conditions.

In addition, the porous surface provides plenty of space for other beneficial soil bacteria.

This allows an active soil ecosystem to develop.

However, the substrate is no substitute for regular care. You should therefore continue to remove larger food scraps and other debris.

Healthy plants need loose soil

Many tropical plants like moisture. However, their roots cannot tolerate prolonged waterlogging.

That is why the structure of the soil plays an important role.

Exo Terra Sub Stratum consists of small, loose granules. These allow water to drain well while also providing aeration around the roots.

This allows plant roots to spread more easily.

In addition, the material compacts less than many fine soil mixtures.

This is especially advantageous in terrariums with plants. That’s because the plants there need a substrate that distributes moisture and air well.

Three Options for Your Terrarium

You can use Exo Terra Sub Stratum in different ways. Which option works best depends on your plants and animals.

As a standalone substrate

Spread the substrate about 2.5 to 5 cm thick on the terrarium floor. This creates a loose layer in which suitable plants can take root.

As the bottom layer of soil

First, fill the tank with Exo Terra Sub Stratum. Then add a suitable organic substrate on top.

This creates different soil zones. While the top layer provides a natural surface, the volcanic substrate beneath ensures a loose structure.

When mixed with other substrate

You can also mix the substrate into suitable potting mixes.

This makes the soil looser. It also allows excess water to drain away more easily.

This can be especially helpful for plants that are sensitive to wet roots.

Ideal for a bioactive rainforest terrarium

A bioactive terrarium is a small habitat in which plants and soil-dwelling animals interact.

As plants grow, springtails and Isopods break down much of the dead plant material. At the same time, bacteria help with further decomposition.

Exo Terra Sub Stratum provides the perfect foundation for this.

This is because its porous structure provides a habitat for small soil organisms. In addition, the material helps supply air to the plant roots.

This substrate works particularly well when combined with forest humus and a layer of natural leaf litter.

This creates a varied landscape with different areas.

However, some animals require a particularly nutritious substrate. This applies, for example, to many millipedes.

For them, volcanic substrate is no substitute for a suitable millipede substrate made of leaves and white-rotted wood.

Less waterlogging in the root zone

When water cannot drain properly, it accumulates in the soil.

This often results in wet areas where plant roots receive very little air.

Exo Terra Sub Stratum can help with this.

This is because its grains form small gaps. Water can flow downward more easily through these gaps.

At the same time, more air reaches the roots.

Even so, you should make sure that excess water doesn’t accumulate on the floor over time.

After all, even a loose growing medium needs the right amount of water.

With Activated Carbon for a Natural Substrate

In addition to volcanic soil and beneficial bacteria, Exo Terra Sub Stratum also contains activated charcoal.

Activated carbon has many tiny pores. This allows it to bind certain substances to its surface.

As a result, it can help reduce unwanted odors in the soil.

At the same time, the beneficial bacteria it contains help break down organic matter.

This is how the individual components complement each other.

The result is a substrate that provides support for plants while also promoting natural soil life.

Which size should you choose?

At Insektenliebe, we offer Exo Terra Sub Stratum in two sizes.

2 kg: This option is particularly suitable for smaller plant terrariums. It’s also ideal if you only want to use the volcanic substrate as a supplement.

4 kg: This package is ideal for larger terrariums and extensive plantings. It’s also practical for multiple small terrariums.

Both options contain the same substrate. That’s why you can choose the quantity that best suits your needs.

Benefits at a Glance

• Natural volcanic clay from Japan

• Originating from the Aso Volcano region

• Contains live beneficial bacteria

• With activated carbon

• Helps break down organic matter

• Promotes natural soil life

• Loose grain size for good air circulation

• Allows excess water to drain away more easily

• Supports the growth of healthy plant roots

• Ideal for tropical plant terrariums

• Suitable for bioactive terrariums

• Can be used as a standalone substrate

• Also suitable as a bottom layer

• Can be mixed with other substrate

• Available in 2 kg and 4 kg

Composition

Natural volcanic soil (Andisol), activated carbon, and beneficial live bacteria of the genus Bacillus.

Country of origin: Japan

Usage

You can use Exo Terra Sub Stratum in three ways.

To use it as a standalone substrate, spread it in a layer about 2.5 to 5 cm thick.

Alternatively, you can use it as a bottom layer and cover it with a suitable growing medium.

You can also mix the volcanic substrate into other suitable potting mixes to loosen up their texture.

Always pay attention to the needs of your plants and animals. Not every terrarium requires the same substrate setup.

Suitable accessories for your setup

Exo Terra Bio-Drainage Substrate – forms a drainage layer beneath the Sub Stratum and absorbs excess water.

Exo Terra Bio-Drainage Terrarium Fabric Mat – separates the drainage layer from the substrate and prevents the two materials from mixing.

Forest humus —adds a natural, organic layer to the volcanic substrate.

TerraLeaf-Brick INSEKTENLIEBE – enriches the soil structure with natural leaf litter and provides soil-dwelling insects with additional food and hiding places.

Tropical springtails —help break down dead plant matter and control mold.

White isopods —complement the soil-dwelling insects and break down organic debris in suitable tropical terrariums.

 

Conclusion: More Life Beneath the Surface

With Exo Terra Sub Stratum, you can create a solid foundation for your planted terrarium.

The volcanic soil from Japan has a loose texture. This allows plant roots to get enough air, while excess water drains away more easily.

In addition, live beneficial bacteria support the natural breakdown of organic residues. The activated carbon it contains enhances these properties.

Its versatility makes it particularly practical. You can use the substrate on its own, mix it with other substrate, or use it as a base layer.

Whether it’s 2 kg for a small plant terrarium or 4 kg for a larger project—Exo Terra Sub Stratum brings natural volcanic soil and active soil life to your terrarium.