Really free draining growing medium
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General HTUK rules apply. This section is for tips, hints and discussion on growing that is not related to any specific group of plants.
General HTUK rules apply. This section is for tips, hints and discussion on growing that is not related to any specific group of plants.
- Yorkshire Kris
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Really free draining growing medium
I use perlite to get a free draining mix but noticed that a few of my bought plants are supplied in a better draining mix based on what looks like wood chippings/bark. My cyathea dealbata is planted in such a mix and needs watering daily.
Can you buy such a mix "off the shelf" or does anybody have a suitable recipe? I think it will be great for potting up overwintering colocasia and bananas.
Can you buy such a mix "off the shelf" or does anybody have a suitable recipe? I think it will be great for potting up overwintering colocasia and bananas.
- Dave Brown
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Re: Really free draining growing medium
You have to be careful Kris, I used to use shredded bark as it was very quick draining, but in the second year the roots rotted. What I discovered was the shredded bark allowed rapid draining in year one, but in year 2 it had started to decompose, so consolidated leaving very wet heavy compost with no air gaps. I now use perlite although that is not entirely breakdown proof.
Brian Williams uses peanut shell in his compost, although in Kentucky, there is probably tons of the stuff locally
Brian Williams uses peanut shell in his compost, although in Kentucky, there is probably tons of the stuff locally
Best regards
Dave
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Dave
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Roll on summer.....
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- Yorkshire Kris
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- Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:59 am
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Re: Really free draining growing medium
Dumb question but when you say shredded bark do you mean those bags of forest bark that you buy from the sheds? Then put this through a shredder at home?
I take your point about it decomposing but I was thinking more about just using it for a season ie when colocasias have been dug up and then potted up for winter.
I take your point about it decomposing but I was thinking more about just using it for a season ie when colocasias have been dug up and then potted up for winter.
- The Codfather
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Re: Really free draining growing medium
surely adding sharp sand and grit will make it even more free drianing.....like a cactus mix.
AKA - Martin
Wish list - Big Palms or Dicksonia antarctica's but open to anything really.....Cash Waiting !
Wish list - Big Palms or Dicksonia antarctica's but open to anything really.....Cash Waiting !
- Yorkshire Kris
- Posts: 10163
- Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:59 am
- Location: Rural South Wakefield, Yorkshire Lat 53.64 Long-1.54
Re: Really free draining growing medium
Yes it does but I've noticed that this orgainic coarse stuff that the fern is in is much better.The Codfather wrote:surely adding sharp sand and grit will make it even more free drianing.....like a cactus mix.
Re: Really free draining growing medium
Yes Kris it sounds right, I would think the cyathea would grow naturally in that decomposing woody earth found in forest floors, don't know how to duplicate it but I know exactly what you are on about
Re: Really free draining growing medium
Kris i would get in contact with the supplier you brought it off and ask them what they use and where to purchase it for the plant you have just brought from them. I am more than sure they will tell you.
- Yorkshire Kris
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- Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:59 am
- Location: Rural South Wakefield, Yorkshire Lat 53.64 Long-1.54
Re: Really free draining growing medium
I don't know the supplier it was from a garden centre not a nursery.sanatic1234 wrote:Kris i would get in contact with the supplier you brought it off and ask them what they use and where to purchase it for the plant you have just brought from them. I am more than sure they will tell you.
Don't Crug use a mix like I described?
Re: Really free draining growing medium
As for banana plants 50/50 of mp compost and perlite will be just fine, i used it on mine last year and not one has rotted. Cant help with colocasia as my first season overwintering these, i have a mission on my hands here. I have gained 5 colocasia's this year. i am hoping to get these through the winter. I will more than likely just use the same mix as my banana plants have 50/50 of each perlite and MP compost.
- Yorkshire Kris
- Posts: 10163
- Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:59 am
- Location: Rural South Wakefield, Yorkshire Lat 53.64 Long-1.54
Re: Really free draining growing medium
sanatic1234 wrote:As for banana plants 50/50 of mp compost and perlite will be just fine, i used it on mine last year and not one has rotted. Cant help with colocasia as my first season overwintering these, i have a mission on my hands here. I have gained 5 colocasia's this year. i am hoping to get these through the winter. I will more than likely just use the same mix as my banana plants have 50/50 of each perlite and MP compost.
Yes I use the same but still sometimes the mix stays damp for ages in winter. I have more collies than I know what to do with as usual, as I propogate the pups. I will find room for them all this year.
Re: Really free draining growing medium
Urban Jungle use a very finely shredded bark based product as a mulch on thier pots. It sounds like the same stuff. Maybe Liz can tell you where to get some.
- Yorkshire Kris
- Posts: 10163
- Joined: Wed Dec 16, 2009 8:59 am
- Location: Rural South Wakefield, Yorkshire Lat 53.64 Long-1.54
Re: Really free draining growing medium
Cheers Simon, I'm guessing though no one here uses such a mix?simon wrote:Urban Jungle use a very finely shredded bark based product as a mulch on thier pots. It sounds like the same stuff. Maybe Liz can tell you where to get some.
Re: Really free draining growing medium
Yorkshire Kris wrote:sanatic1234 wrote:As for banana plants 50/50 of mp compost and perlite will be just fine, i used it on mine last year and not one has rotted. Cant help with colocasia as my first season overwintering these, i have a mission on my hands here. I have gained 5 colocasia's this year. i am hoping to get these through the winter. I will more than likely just use the same mix as my banana plants have 50/50 of each perlite and MP compost.
Yes I use the same but still sometimes the mix stays damp for ages in winter.quote]
Sounds to me like the you need to give less water when you water, or may be put them somewhere a bit warmer, my nana's dried out really quickly. but i really cannot comment on the colocasia's as i have never over wintered them before. i do hope they are ok and don't rot.
Re: Really free draining growing medium
Some people use leaf mould to loosen the mix. I don't have space to make my own but the treasurer of the BCSS uses it in his Aloe polyphylla mix and he grows them extremely well. Some plants such as aloes and palms (trying it with yuccas and terrestrial bromeliads too) like a free draining mix without the root restriction caused by added grit. For agaves, cacti and most other succulents I use 2 parts JI no. 2/1 part alpine grit which a good starting point for succulents.
Re: Really free draining growing medium
I tend to agree with Dave.Dave Brown wrote:You have to be careful Kris, I used to use shredded bark as it was very quick draining, but in the second year the roots rotted. What I discovered was the shredded bark allowed rapid draining in year one, but in year 2 it had started to decompose, so consolidated leaving very wet heavy compost with no air gaps. I now use perlite although that is not entirely breakdown proof.
Brian Williams uses peanut shell in his compost, although in Kentucky, there is probably tons of the stuff locally
Growers often use a medium which is excellent for root growth, like really coarse peat for example, but may not be ideal ongoing.