Potting Mix

[rudy]

Hi,

I got my bag of Maidenwell Dilatomite from Collectors Corner but they could not tell me what size it is apart from they say that it is used in Bonsai.

Question:
Do you need to sieve this stuff to get out the powder and do you need to rinse it as I stuck a couple of teaspoons in a small container and the water has gone brown. Looks to me that it needs to be seived and washed but I wouldn't know as I have never used the stuff.

Can anyone clarify this.

Regards
Rudy

[bonscythe]

Don't inhale the dust, wear a breathing mask and preferrably try to soak the whole bag with your hose before you open it up so to settle any dust to begin with. This goes for vermiculite, perlite and other '-ites' too
A general mix that works for me has about 40% organic mix, 40% coco coir, 10% perlite, 10% zeolite. The coir is for water retention and the perlite/zeolite is for drainage (+other reasons). Throw in some slow release prills and that's about it, depends on the species as to what you want/need to do.

[Luke308]

Hi guys, Im sorry if this has been covered before, but Diatomite is only available in Adelaide as 7-15mm. But richgro aquatic mix is readily available. what size particles is the richgro aquatic? and also what would you mix it with for maples and conifers here in Adelaide? I'm new to bonsai, so still learning but im thinking 20% zeolite, 50% richgro aquatic mix, ans 30% coir peat (the coco stuff that comes in blocks) Does this sound reasonable? Any suggestions would be much appreciated

[Scott Roxburgh]

Interesting that no one has mentioned that they use akadama? I use it and pumice as a 100% inorganic mix. 1 part akadama to 2 parts pumice as a general guide. More akadama for Japanese maples etc

[kcpoole]

still learning but im thinking 20% zeolite, 50% richgro aquatic mix, ans 30% coir peat (the coco stuff that comes in blocks) Does this sound reasonable? Any suggestions would be much appreciated

Yep i wod try that one now worries, but you may find less peat might be OK too

@scott. I tried Akadama when we shipped a pallet over from Perth, and I do not like it myself. I find it does not hold water anywhere near as well as Diatomite, and is at lest 2 - 3 times the cost.

Ken

[Luke308]

Okay, I have my richgro aquatic mix, and my coir peat blocks, but I don't have any zeolite yet. any ideas on a substitute? And do you think I should include some organic material in there too eg pine back chips?

[kcpoole]

Okay, I have my richgro aquatic mix, and my coir peat blocks, but I don't have any zeolite yet. any ideas on a substitute? And do you think I should include some organic material in there too eg pine back chips?

Not much can replace zeolite and its water and nutrient holding capacity i think, Pumice maybe?

I do not put any organics in mine, but you certainly can if you want
Sifted pine bark if anyhing

Ken

[Luke308]

Got some Zeolite today, and I must say, it looks like a great mix, Cant wait until the weekend to pot up some trees in this mix (aquatic mix, coir peat, and zeolite)
Thanks everyone for sharing ideas

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

hi Luke

Where did you locate the zeolite?

[chelsworthgale]

In Melbourne...
Diatomite - http://www.sagehort.com.au/ - I got some last week, ULTRA quick delivery and fantastic service!

Zeolite - Apparently you can get some from Bulleen Art & Garden however I am yet to get there.

At the moment I am trying some norway maples, japanese maples and jacaranda seeds in 30% diatomite, 50% deco seed raising mix & 20% brunnings prop sand.

Cheers

[Luke308]

Stewart
hi Luke

Where did you locate the zeolite?

I got it as S.A. Fertilizers in Lonsdale South Australia. Not cheap though, $41 for a 25kg bag, but I have only used probably 10-15% of it to make about 40-45 litres of potting mix. Google fertilizer specialists or agricultural/horticultural specialists in your local area.

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

Cheers Luke

will do

[peterb]

Hi guys

Is it poosible to get that sashi eda mix in adelaide and if so where

regards
peterb

[nickkesa]

Hi guys

Is it poosible to get that sashi eda mix in adelaide and if so where

regards
peterb

I have seen it at Bunnings.