Thanks KC that's what I thought. The aquatic potting mix went 2-3 years and I found it was just as hard as when it went in. I almost think the ones on the surface where harder from being baked in the sun as that tree was in full sun all last summer. You saw that in the Pine at the summit. It's in Akadama now and has caused me some concern. The candles are still extending slowly and a nice green but the needles have dulled some. I worked the roots a bit hard I think Fingers crossed.
I am thinking Tom already knows but I was getting around to mentioning they have been using Diatomite in the USA longer than us, for Bonsai anyway . I found Maidenwell shipped a product called Rocks 2 or something(which is actually Diatomite) to America and I ranted on to Tom on BT chat years ago how I was so pissed of that even the substrates mined in Australia where easier to get over in America. Glad we have come a way since then
Kvan the supply has changed around a bit now and KC will clarify as I am not up there but I think Ray Nesci now also stocks diatomite.
It's too bad your in such a hurry cause the stories I could tell you, Bushels and baskets of stories, hole crates full of stories. But if you can spare a moment I will tell you one story.
Please let me know where I could buy this stuff. I can even find any akadama or anything besides typical standard bonsai mix here in Brisbane
If you call or email there contacts from the website, they will tell yo where you can get it locally in your area. customerservice@mtsylviadiatomite.com
I have been getting mine (in Sydney) from Enfield Produce, But Ray Nesci will be stocking it soon
Last edited by kcpoole on November 7th, 2009, 7:20 pm, edited 1 time in total.
I'm really intrigued about the red river system... Sounds like hydroponic bonsai to me. I have always wondered whether or not a hydroponic system would work for bonsai trees. A constant flow of nutrients and an inorganic mix as the growing medium.
There is an expert or two at this is Jerry Melsik (s) one. Another guy has learnt from him I think. Pumping some big trunks.
I think Asus was looking into it.
It's too bad your in such a hurry cause the stories I could tell you, Bushels and baskets of stories, hole crates full of stories. But if you can spare a moment I will tell you one story.
hey tom its always an interesting topic. here in melbourne victoria many of us are having great success with; 50% medium diatamite, 25% mini orchid mix and 25% coco peat. this mix lends its self very well to the refining and finished state of bonsai. melbourne is increasingly becoming hotter and dryer and there for the coco peat is necessary to hold some more moisture. mush is not a problem with this mix. watering must be diligent and plentiful here with this mix. watering through the top alone is not enough in the warmer weather because of the fast drainage factor. if you want the diatamite to hold the moisture you must dip and soak the pot so as to tke up the water. this can be hard work in summer here but is perfect in the colder wetter months where you would only water through the top. this mix here in melbourne makes it impossible to over water. for growing on stock, especially where size and foliage needs to be supported, i am using 1/3 commercial orchid mix, 1/3 lava rock 5-7mm and 1/3 pine bark mulch.
I use in various combinations
Scorio 5-7mm smashed with a heavy object. I get it down to at least 4mm and use dust and all in a 100% mix. also mixed but without the dust.
Aquatic potting mix/ diatomite 100% and mixed
Zeolite brown hard. I usually try to get the 2-5mm grade I also use the 1mm size that is used in pool filters 100% and mixed
Zeolite white softer. 2-5mm mixed
Crushed terracotta sifted to 1mm 2-4mm 5+mm
Appugulite calcifinied clay. 100% and mixed
Akadama 100% and mixed
Crushed granite sifted 2-4mm 5+mm or Blue metal from the side of the house if I have run out of Granite(just doesn't look as good) Although I try to stay away from this with my good trees as I agree with others it is just a space waster.
Pine bark, mixed
Orchid coconut husk, mixed
Various commercial potting mixes depends whats on special! sifted and mixed.
I have lately become interested in extending my use of 1mm size. ie Propagating sand. Dennis McDermott was the first to put me onto this. He adds this to commercial potting mix and gets great results. I have since noticed it mentioned by Don Burke and in the recommended soil mixes that came with the Akadama. As with my above comment that hard gravel is a space waster I think if you can get a 1mm size mix to work well then it is giving the tree optimum spaces to fill with roots.
I also tried adding cured cow manure compost to my stock mix this year but won't be doing that again. Hmm maybe experiment some with it still but not in my main mix.
Last edited by Bretts on November 8th, 2009, 10:00 am, edited 1 time in total.
It's too bad your in such a hurry cause the stories I could tell you, Bushels and baskets of stories, hole crates full of stories. But if you can spare a moment I will tell you one story.
Well Tom are you still scratching your head?
Is there much here you can relate too. I would love to know what you think of the new Chabasi?
It's too bad your in such a hurry cause the stories I could tell you, Bushels and baskets of stories, hole crates full of stories. But if you can spare a moment I will tell you one story.
. I found Maidenwell shipped a product called Rocks 2 or something(which is actually Diatomite) to America and I ranted on to Tom on BT chat years ago how I was so pissed of that even the substrates mined in Australia where easier to get over in America. Glad we have come a way since then 
