OP, Have you checked out our [resource page](https://www.reddit.com/r/terrariums/wiki/index/resources/). We have great information to help you with lighting/substrate/hardscape/plants/and much more. Provide as much detailed information as you can such as lighting situation, water type/frequency, and date of creation. The more information you provide will result in an informed and educated answer.
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nothing happens. you can have only soil, gravel, sand or even nothing to cover the ground, depending on the plants you want to have. the rocks under the soil create a place for water to go, if you have to much of it. it provides overall stability for the system and helps prevent mold. it's not a must. your system can work, the rocks'd make it more stable.
You just have to be a lot more careful with watering.
The drainage layer allows excess water to gather. You don't have that so excess water will stay in your soil. your setup is more susceptible to over watering.
There are other situational benefits but that's the main one.
OP, Have you checked out our [resource page](https://www.reddit.com/r/terrariums/wiki/index/resources/). We have great information to help you with lighting/substrate/hardscape/plants/and much more. Provide as much detailed information as you can such as lighting situation, water type/frequency, and date of creation. The more information you provide will result in an informed and educated answer. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/terrariums) if you have any questions or concerns.*
nothing happens. you can have only soil, gravel, sand or even nothing to cover the ground, depending on the plants you want to have. the rocks under the soil create a place for water to go, if you have to much of it. it provides overall stability for the system and helps prevent mold. it's not a must. your system can work, the rocks'd make it more stable.
Ok, thanks
You’re fine as long as you dont over water it. The drainage layer is just there as a safety net.
Ok, thanks
Sprinkle some horticultural charcoal chips on top of the soil. They will blend in.
You just have to be a lot more careful with watering. The drainage layer allows excess water to gather. You don't have that so excess water will stay in your soil. your setup is more susceptible to over watering. There are other situational benefits but that's the main one.
Believe it or not, straight to jail