I have an ethical issue with cyprus so I switched to eco earth (coco coir) it is messy. I does hold humidly really well and at least in my area is many many times less expensive than anything else unless you can get free newspaper I don't get it delivered and tend not to read them so I have to scrounge or get a subscription just to use with snakes and that is actually more expensive.

I started with aspen but it is very expensive here for some unknown reason.

Coco coir comes it three states high compressed blocks, low compressed blocks and loose. the high compressed blocks (9:1) are easy to store but must be expanded with water. The low density (7:1) blocks can be expanded with water or you can break it apart with your hands and a small amount of water. I use a low density blocks and use as little water as I can. It get 88% humidly for the first while and keep an eye out for condensation. It will drop and if it gets too low just grab out a handful or two add some more water to that and let it draw it up. Sprinkle it back in the enclosure.