Oh look, another soil thread...
- Thread starter Redwood Ryan
- Start date
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
Because I don't see the need for improvement. The particle size is what I've been recommended and seems to be working greatly. Keep in mind that this is for indoor growing.
nathanbs
Omono
there's always room for improvement. Indoors correct, so maybe a larger particle size so it doesn't stay too wet? That makes complete sense. Now what about using all 1/4"-3/8" consistently then? The "dirt" you are using contradicts a large particle size by clogging up the airspaces, now we are back to a soil that stays too wet perhaps. Additionally you will have to repot more frequently due to lack of water percolation, maybe not an issue for you as I'm guessing you don't have too many trees indoors.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
I still do not understand why any organic is required unless you don't have water and fertilizer. I am going to make popcorn now 
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
The "dirt" I'm using clogs up the airspace? Incorrect. I don't see what makes you think bark like this would clog the soil...?
It's a very porous, well draining soil that is working just fine, and I'm not concerned about tweaking it in any way. By the way, I've got 30+ trees indoors.
I still do not understand why any organic is required unless you don't have water and fertilizer. I am going to make popcorn now
It's what I do, what I've seen done, and how I will continue doing it
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
It's what I do, what I've seen done, and how I will continue doing it
No sweat man! I do understand that everyone here lives in different climates and has a WIDE variety of plants. I just find it easier to put it ALL in non organic and water and fertilizer. Anyone that has different requirements and systems that work has so for reasons. I just have a personal preference to unify all of the plants and the ability and resources to winter them all correctly. If it works by ALL means do it!
Back to my popcorn -
Grimmy
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
No sweat man! I do understand that everyone here lives in different climates and has a WIDE variety of plants. I just find it easier to put it ALL in non organic and water and fertilizer. Anyone that has different requirements and systems that work has so for reasons. I just have a personal preference to unify all of the plants and the ability and resources to winter them all correctly. If it works by ALL means do it!
Back to my popcorn -
Grimmy
Most of the reason I add the organics is because of my lights. The plants are pretty close to the lights, which mean the soil dries pretty quickly. I add the organics so that a small amount of water is retained and I don't have to water nearly as often.
markyscott
Imperial Masterpiece
Why ask for advise when you've already found the ANSWER?
Scott
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
That particular comment was about the bark in my mix. Wasn't sure if I had too much or not. I was saying that adding organics is what I've seen done, so I'll do it too.
Let's not get back into this whole argument thing. Just let this be a helpful thread. If you don't have a helpful comment, just leave it to those that do.
markyscott
Imperial Masterpiece
No worries - I think I just lost all interest in providing a helpful comment. Enjoy.
Scott
nathanbs
Omono
Have you thought of trying a top dressing for your soil that consists of graded/shredded new zealand sphagnum moss and dried out green moss? This will not only keep the soil from drying out so quickly but it promotes roots to grow in that upper 1/2" of soil
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
That's something I've considered, but figured the moss would dry out just as fast. I'm also not a big fan of that kind of moss. It's good for air layers, but I get annoyed when roots grow into it and need to be arranged. They get so tangled in the stuff.
k2bonsai
Seedling
I use a mix (well not so much a mix) of 100% pumice on my trees. In order to keep the top part from drying out on the hot days i shred up some dried sphagnum moss, soak it for a few hours then flatten some into my hand removing much of the moisture and slap this onto the soil surface, pressing it down as i go. Upon each watering the sphagnum moss will retain its moisture fully until the next day. I just followed the examples here:
http://bonsaitonight.com/2010/02/16/moss-technique/
I havn't put any regular moss on top as yet as we have had 8 weeks of sun and no rain so there has been a lack off moss since i repotted the trees. I should really start farming moss i think. The sphagnum also does a great job of keeping the pumice from washing away during watering.
K2
http://bonsaitonight.com/2010/02/16/moss-technique/
I havn't put any regular moss on top as yet as we have had 8 weeks of sun and no rain so there has been a lack off moss since i repotted the trees. I should really start farming moss i think. The sphagnum also does a great job of keeping the pumice from washing away during watering.
K2
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
I will intercede here for the last time - If you have a solution for your climate and needs you must go that way. It does not matter what anyone thinks at that point. I have worked at unity for all of our plants because it is possible and works for ME. There are far to many variables and interests for me to get into - all I KNOW is what works for ME and that varies greatly for the rest of the world...
The substrate threads would be a hell of a lot better if they were more of an ask and share what you use. Trying to be realistic - I do not expect what I do or what Walter does or anyone else... What I do works for me may not work for anyone else. Threads on substrate should be more like "what do you use" rather then what do you suggest and it would give the person asking the ability to look at climates and how they may apply to you and saving all of this friggen bull.
Just my humble opinion,
Grimmy
The substrate threads would be a hell of a lot better if they were more of an ask and share what you use. Trying to be realistic - I do not expect what I do or what Walter does or anyone else... What I do works for me may not work for anyone else. Threads on substrate should be more like "what do you use" rather then what do you suggest and it would give the person asking the ability to look at climates and how they may apply to you and saving all of this friggen bull.
Just my humble opinion,
Grimmy
mat
Chumono
It's what I do, what I've seen done, and how I will continue doing it
This seems a bit close-minded, especially for someone of your age. Usually it's the old fuddy-duddies who are so stubbornly set in their ways.
You seem pretty open to experimentation with your trees in general. It's surprising to me that you're no longer open to advice on soil components. Why not try a uniformly-sized, inorganic mix of materials with a little sphagnum moss on top for one (or a few) of your project trees next repot? I think they'd respond well.
Redwood Ryan
Masterpiece
I am open to advice on soil components. I've already got several trees planted in pure pumice. I just don't see what the big deal is on the issue of organics. Since my lights dry out my soil so quickly I've been adding organics to my mix.
I've got a half dozen training pots coming in the mail by the end of the week, so I'll repot some trees into a mix of pumice with sphagnum on top. The particles are uniform and have been screened thoroughly several times.
Cadillactaste
Neagari Gal
I still do not understand why any organic is required unless you don't have water and fertilizer. I am going to make popcorn now
I must admit...I've been reading these posts and get more confused. Is there not a perfect product on the market without the need to add to the soil? I will eventually need to pot my tamarix. (plan on putting it in the pot the Bougainvillea came in once its pot arrives) But my head is spinning...I know what my Bougainvillea needs...but am curious if an organic is also needed with it.
I never would have thought it so...confounding. It is interesting to see ones having success with their soil composites.
nathanbs
Omono
Don't bother putting green moss as they did in that post just crumble dried out green moss into your shredded sphagnum and eventually you will grow a lush green carpet that percolates water perfectly
nathanbs
Omono
If the pumice seems to dry out too fast try mixing in some lava and akadama in 3 equal parts followed by top dressing. I have several trees in pure pumice that I purchased that way and they don't seem very tough. I'm going to repot late this coming winter into a mix I referenced above and we'll see if there's a difference for me
