Diatomite/Zeolite mix.

[Reece]

Probably directed at Ken because its his mix but any advice appreciated.

When you say 2/3 Diatomite and 1/3 Zeolite is that by scoop or by weight?

I know I might be splitting hairs but the grains of Zeolite I have are approx half the size of the Kleensorb Diatomite so if I put 2 scoops of Diatomite and 1 scoop of Zeolite in theory it will be 50/50 by grain count.

Does this makes sense?

I'm asking because it seems to dry out faster than I thought and Im wondering if Im not putting enough Diatomite in. Its not an issue now but come summer....

Thanks in advance!

Reece.

[Jarad]

Don't forget that Ken waters at least twice per day, year round and three times a day during summer (is that right Ken?).

Also, I don't think particle size really matters until you're measuring scoops of sand vs 50mm aggregate.

[Truth]

I've used 2/3 diatomite and 1/3 zeolite for my plants in training pots this year. So far i've been watering once daily and I suspect i'll need twice daily for summer. If they were in shallow bonsai pots then i'd probably need to water more.

[thoglette]

I've used 2/3 diatomite and 1/3 zeolite for my plants in training pots this year. So far i've been watering once daily and I suspect i'll need twice daily for summer. If they were in shallow bonsai pots then i'd probably need to water more.

One of the locals recently recommended adding 5% to 10% minced spag moss and a similar amount of filter carbon to deal with this.

[Reece]

Ok so sounds like it dries out quire easily anyway....

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[kcpoole]

Don't forget that Ken waters at least twice per day, year round and three times a day during summer (is that right Ken?).

Also, I don't think particle size really matters until you're measuring scoops of sand vs 50mm aggregate.

Nope
once per day in winter on everything. ( mornings)
2 times per day in Summer on my Bench with minis on it. ( this in my nursery bench too).
Once perday for everything else unless it gets really hot and my marker trees show signs of wilting. ( usually that is only when above 45 deg or hot westerly winds.

Re your original question Reece, I measure pretty roughly but works out to be 2 bags of Diatomite to 1 bag of Zeolite.
this year I am trying out Pumice ( 2-7mm).
With the 3 bags it works out to be one bag Zeolite, 1 bag Diatomite, 1 bag Pumice. Mix them all together in a Bug tub and that's it

Ken

[kcpoole]

Ok so sounds like it dries out quire easily anyway....

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Sorry have not been on much today. on the roof and working

Nope
I find it gives moisture to the trees longer than Rays mix does in summer and much longer than Akadama.

Ken

[mjhc]

From all my research and questions - a lot of guys running with 40-50% diatomite often have 20% coco peat.
There is a few posts on what guys uses" kicking around as well as one grant did with heaps of test on moisture retention which I found very helpful.

[peterb]

Hi Reece, I've been running 50/50 % diatomite or pumice and graded pine bark here in Adelaide and never had a problem even on our 40+ days . I Do try and water twice on those days but haven't managed on several but had no problems , seems to hold enough moisture just another idea to look at.
regards
peterb

[JaseH]

People probably should post the size of the pots they are using when stating their watering rates for mix ratios?

[Reece]

Ok sounds good.

Thanks for clearing this up everyone!

[kcpoole]

People probably should post the size of the pots they are using when stating their watering rates for mix ratios?

Good point.
If my pots have more than about 2 handfuls of Substrate then they reside in Full sun and get 1 watering per day thru summer.
Smaller than that they are on my Mini / Nursery bench and they get 2 times a day in Summer.

These 3 all get 1 watering per day, Get full sun up till 1 - 2 pm and sit on a 10mm deep gravel tray in summer.

2015-09-03_IMGP4408.resized.jpg

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2015-09-03_IMGP4406.resized.jpg

This one is slightly larger and sits next to the ones above, but not on gravel. It is one of my "Marker trees" as it will wilt as soon as getting too dry.

2015-09-03_IMGP4412.resized.jpg

These ones are smaller and sit on my Nursery bench. It is in filtered light from Gum trees above and gets watered 2 times a day in summer

2015-09-03_IMGP4417.resized.jpg

2015-09-03_IMGP4415.resized.jpg

2015-09-03_IMGP4414.resized.jpg

These littlies sit on my Nursery bench, but also on a gravel tray.

2015-09-03_IMGP4418.resized.jpg

2015-09-03_IMGP4420.resized.jpg

Lastly a view of my Nursery bench. The box under the right hand end is my propagating box and get sun on the front edge of it most of the day, but filtered thru the trees above. The runoff collection tanks for my hand watering are on the left end

2015-09-03_IMGP4421.resized.jpg

Hope this helps you all see how my trees are sited and cared for re watering. All other trees in Training or larger bonsai pots are scattered around and they are only watered once a day typically. If my "marker trees show distress in summer hot days, then i will grab the hose and hand water everything, but last year I only did that a few times on the 45+ days

Ken

[Jarad]

Ok sounds good.

Thanks for clearing this up everyone!

If you're interested in how much water the diatomoite and zeolite is retaining, take out a few rock and hit them with a hammer.

[Reece]

Ok sounds good.

Thanks for clearing this up everyone!

If you're interested in how much water the diatomoite and zeolite is retaining, take out a few rock and hit them with a hammer.

Haha ok.

Maybe my inexperience is making me think it's drier than it actually is....

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