What's a cheap ingredient to add to inorganic mix to help with water retention a bit? [UK]

[astronoob]

Hi,

I'm going to make a mix of Pumice, Danish Moler and Zeolite.

I've just heard that with this kind of mix I might have to fertilise almost every time I water it, is that true?
Also I keep my trees indoors, do you think I might still have to water the tree once or twice a day? (outside summer)

I think about adding 10-15% of something inorganic, but something that will last 2+ years if possible, and something that's relatively cheap in the UK.

I was thinking of adding Pine Bark, but I think it's quite expensive.

Any tips?

 

[_#1_]

Pine bark works. But since you have little money, offer half the posted price to take home half the bag. Everybody wins!

 

[astronoob]

Pine bark works. But since you have little money, offer half the posted price to take home half the bag. Everybody wins!

I don't have little money, I'm very rich, I just don't like wasting money on organic stuff.

 

[_#1_]

By wasting money you mean buying something not needed?

 

[astronoob]

As I said I'm very rich.
Just asking what alternative there is other than pine bark.

 

[_#1_]

If pine bark is "expensive" to you than there's no alternative unfortunately.

Coco coir works too but I'm not sure if its cheaper by volume

 

[darzuo]

If money's not the problem may as well go ol' reliable akadama pumice lava.

But I'd say use what you have. I don't have personal experience with moler nor zeolite, but it seems they should hold water and nutrients fine enough, and still drain thoroughly as long as you're using similar particle sizes. If you use a slow release solid fertilizer you can apply as directed, usually not more than once every few weeks. As far as watering, in my experience trees slow down a lot indoors and the lack of circulation means the soil dries out slower. When I was overwintering my first tropicals under lights by a window, they pretty much didn't grow through winter. That being said, it means I only had to water once every week or so, but YMMV.

 

[astronoob]

If pine bark is "expensive" to you than there's no alternative unfortunately.

Coco coir works too but I'm not sure if its cheaper by volume

Kaizen Bonsai has 60L of Pine bark at a good price, but I don't have that much space for 40L+ of each ingredient.
Of course you can buy less, but then the price isn't good anymore, and delivery alone is like £9 I think.

I think for now I will try to stick to inorganic, time will tell if adjustments are needed.

 

[astronoob]

If money's not the problem may as well go ol' reliable akadama pumice lava.

But I'd say use what you have. I don't have personal experience with moler nor zeolite, but it seems they should hold water and nutrients fine enough, and still drain thoroughly as long as you're using similar particle sizes. If you use a slow release solid fertilizer you can apply as directed, usually not more than once every few weeks. As far as watering, in my experience trees slow down a lot indoors and the lack of circulation means the soil dries out slower. When I was overwintering my first tropicals under lights by a window, they pretty much didn't grow through winter. That being said, it means I only had to water once every week or so, but YMMV.

I bought my fertiliser on Amazon some time ago, probably not the best one, but I don't know:

Growth Technology Ltd Bonsai Focus Feed, Black, 300ml : Amazon.co.uk: Garden

Great prices on your favourite Gardening brands, and free delivery on eligible orders.

amzn.eu

My pumice is 3-8mm
Zeolite 3-5mm
Danish Moler I don't really know, I bought it as cat litter.

 

[darzuo]

I bought my fertiliser on Amazon some time ago, probably not the best one, but I don't know:

Growth Technology Ltd Bonsai Focus Feed, Black, 300ml : Amazon.co.uk: Garden

Great prices on your favourite Gardening brands, and free delivery on eligible orders.

amzn.eu

My pumice is 3-8mm
Zeolite 3-5mm
Danish Moler I don't really know, I bought it as cat litter.

I'm no expert with ferts but it says once a week during the growing season, so I'd stick with that.

 

[leatherback]

I've just heard that with this kind of mix I might have to fertilise almost every time I water it, is that true?

No

Also I keep my trees indoors, do you think I might still have to water the tree once or twice a day? (outside summer)

No

Any tips?

No need to add anything for water retention. Diatomous Earth acts as a sponge.
Pine Bark is a good addition for organic content cheap and stable.

 

[KWag]

I order Reptibark from PetSmart for my pine bark for all my citrus trees/tropical soil mix. I use it in my bonsai mixes effectively.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Why dont you try connecting with someone locally who can sell you components in smaller amounts.