Using potting soil for substrate?

[Chalc]

Can you use potting soil with no fertilizers as a substrate for mantis tanks? I'm just wondering if it will be good enough to keep in humidity and if it's harmless to mantises.

 

[Serle]

Chalc    You can use anything you  want as substrate , soil may not be the optimum (a little muddy with moisture) therefore       an coconut husk or paper towel may be more manageable ....  S

 

[Chalc]

Thank you Serle, I'm currently using coconut fibre for substrate now but it can be a bit pricey when it gets to the big bags. Think I will mix the coco fibre with potting soil and see how that works 

 

[crabbypatty]

I've used potting soil, I've had no problems. I'm currently using sphagnum peat moss, I couldn't find the organic kind but none of my mantids have died, so that's a good sign! I used coco fiber but I didn't like the brown color, I like my enclosures to have that forest smell, plus I like decorating with green foliage, the bugs don't care either way, lol.