Clay kitty litter

[Hornet]

Has anyone used clay kitty litter in mixes? I have been told its basically diatomite.

John

[Dumper]

i use them
the main ingredient is diatomite + other stuff
that's what the diatomite distributer told me.

john

[Hornet]

cheers mate, do you use it alone or mix it?

[Dumper]

i use it with potting mix.
i never use it straight because i dont like the colour of it as soil. lol

[Dumper]

and if u find the size are too big. just put it in a strong plastic back and smash it on the concrete ground a couple of time to break them up even more.

[Dumper]

sorry typo. bag not back

[Paulneill]

i have cats and have tried all the different cat litters looking for something that may suit and have never came across anything like diatomite what do you call the stuff you are using please.

[Dumper]

cat litter is not 100% diatomite. it may not look like diatomite.
i use homebrand cat litter. it is clayish looking. it is whiter compare to diatomite. maybe because it is mix with other soaking medium.

not expert thou. but so far i've no problem with it. used it for 3 growing season now.

[Luke308]

If you search the forums, there are a number of topics discussing cat litter pros and cons. heres a start for you viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8084&p=90290&hilit ... ite#p90290
chandlers cat litter is attapulgite not diatomite and apparently turns to mush after about 12-18 months.

[Hornet]

thanks guys

John

[Bretts]

Chandlers Attapulgite kitty litter works great but is best as a mix and not 100%

I have been using it for years as a part mix and have had no issue with it breaking down. After about three years it is starting to break down but I have found that my trees need repotting by this time and they have a very good root structure that it doesn't cause a problem.

From Grant
And before you ask Brett; the attapulgite performed quite well. In fact in our test attapulgite at 100% did better than both Mt Sylvia and Maidenwell Diatomite at 100%. (Stayed wetter I think; the Diatomite certainly stays drier)

I currently have a fig growing in 100% to further my knowledge of the medium but I would only recomend using no more than 1/3 of the mix as Attapulgite as this is how I started using it and have found the best results. From what I gather this is in line with what Grant suggests if you use the stuff.
Yet I disagree with Grant that a mix is defined alot by your climate. I think it is defined more by your habits of care. In that a medium watering and fertilising should be a package deal.

[Luke308]

I think it is defined more by your habits of care. In that a medium watering and fertilising should be a package deal.

I recently read Walter Pall's blog and he says exactly the same thing.
I just found the link, here it is...... http://walter-pall-bonsai.blogspot.com/ ... glish.html