My thumb's not quite green, more like a light teal. Which means I can keep a plant alive, but how well or how long is another story.

I've gotten a few ABG recipes and have most of the ingredients. My question(s) are

1. I can't find tree fern fiber locally, does it go by a different name?

2. Can I substitute something else for the tree fern fiber? If so, what will work?

3. Charcoal? Is this the same as the activated aquarium stuff? If so, does it need to be ground down?

4. Are "bonsai soil" and "African violet soil" safe for frogs(oyster stuff, worm castings, guano)

Thanks for any help!!