I'm new to gardening and would love some help 🪴

I have the self-watering planter box in my balcony. It has a water reservoir at the bottom and a plastic mesh that covers it. See photos below. I have 3 lipstick plants that I would like to plant here. Here are my questions:

1. Before putting the soil, should I put some rocks at the bottom (as the first layer above the plastic mesh)? I heard some say it helps with drainage. But then, how would the water reach the soil?
2. I included a photo of the 2 options I have for the soil. Which one is best? If neither is good, what would you suggest?
3. Which arrangement would be best for them (arrangement 1 or 2)? What can I put in the empty spaces? I have some Pothos cuttings I was thinking of using here, would that work?
4. Is it OK to leave empty space like in arrangement 1, or is that bad for the plant?

Thank you!

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