---
title: "Does anyone use pebbles or other decorative materials (or even…"
description: "Does anyone use pebbles or other decorative materials (or even hydroponics pebbles) as a top layer to cover the potting mix around their houseplants? I only…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/64749221511b5aea7dd93d60"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Penny L"
published: "2023-05-29T11:53:05.569Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/everythingHousePlants.jpg"
---

[Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Anything about plants](https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg.md)

# Does anyone use pebbles or other decorative materials (or even…

_Posted by Penny L on 2023-05-29_

Does anyone use pebbles or other decorative materials (or even hydroponics pebbles) as a top layer to cover the potting mix around their houseplants? I only use them for succulents, but I’d like to do it to the plants that have plain soil exposed—partially because I think it will minimize those annoying little flies and partially because I think it will look nicer. Or will this harm the plants in some way? Any thoughts or insights are much appreciated! 🙏

## 5 comments

### Mackenzie commented on 2023-05-29

I use river stones on some plants to stop my cats from digging out the soil. The only thing I’ve noticed is the soil takes longer to dry out so o just don’t have to water quite as often

### Penny L commented on 2023-05-29

Both very good points! I’ll make sure to use the smallest pebbles for the delicate plants—and a moisture meter before watering. Thank you both so much! 🙏

### Megan commented on 2023-05-30

If you want to completely get rid on gnats, try using a potting mix that is peat moss free. I use potting mixes from RePotMe and now have zero fungus gnats 😁 My plants love the mixes!

### Penny L commented on 2023-05-30

Thanks for the tip! 🙏🏼

### anneliese commented on 2023-06-05

this will actually increase the gnats

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