Getting towards final stages of 500 sqft (~21 x23') GH, mainly for mounted botanical miniatures. Will have some concrete platform around edges for benches. In center, the most common option is 3/4" crushed rock, some 4-6" deep. Someone suggested bark as moisture reservoir. Am a bit concerned about bark serving as a pest reservoir, and don't really want to spray the floor with all the -cided.
Don't use organic matter, as you have so wisely concluded. Being in LA, you're going to need to supplement the humidity, so having that internal drainage to the ground is a good idea.
3/4" seems kind of coarse to me. I preferred pea gravel (or at least something in the 1/4"-1/2" range), as no matter how clean you are, it WILL collect crud, and finer stuff will prevent it from "falling in the cracks" as easily, and is easier to rake.
The cheapest gravel you can find - unless you like to walk barefoot in there, then get that rounded pea gravel.
Bark sounds like a recipe for slugs / mold and rot.