montorillonite clay

[dibly_w]

Hey bonsai plp.
I have read that cat litter can be used well in bonsai soil.
I bought some yesterday and gave it a practice run using it in a small amount in a mix I brewed up .
Being a novice at soil mixes I wasnt expecting it to go as gluggy as that .
It went from hard to soft and very easy to squash in your fingers.
Naturally that is what clay is i supoose .
Just trying to find out if it is bad for the plants or good ?
Before I continue to use it in my souls .
Thanks very much for any advice .

[JaseH]

Cat litter is a very generic description for many different materials. Occasionally you will find a cat litter composed of diatomite, this is probably the only one that is suitable for use as a bonsai soil. I am yet find it at any of the outlets I visit though.

Diatomite is easily available anyhow in larger quantities, not sold as cat litter, so forget the cat litter and just buy diatomite.

Dont use whatever cat litter you have if it breaks down - its no good for your trees.

[dibly_w]

Ok thanks for that .
I assume its because the montorillonite clay is too claggy and doesnt allow the soil to drain as well ...
Better find a new mix . Any suggestiins for a good soul generic nix ?

[Jarad]

There have been a few threads on soils, here is one:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=19445

Also, if you browse the section below you will be able to find a few more discussions.
viewforum.php?f=12

[peterb]

as was said earlier in the thread diatomite is fairly easily available , use that mixed with 30 - 40% graded pine bark can't go wrong and it's almost impossible to overwater
regards
peterb

[Josh]

I mix 50/50 diatomite and pine nuggets. I usually sift into two sized. Smaller for smaller bonsai pots and larger for big bonsai and growing on pots. That's it, all trees go into the same mix. By diatomite by the bag. I played around with cat litter and it's not worth it. They change the contents whenever they feel like it as it is just cat litter. Your happy growing trees in it then they change it and suddenly you loose all your trees, as I said not worth it.

Josh.

Josh.

[dibly_w]

Thanks again guys.
It was hard to get my hands on the diatomite in toowoomba but found some at a place that sells car parts and nuts and bolts... good find .
I can see the difference in the way it performs already.
Def will never consider cat litter . What a waste of $3.80
Bring on spring time I say
Cheers