Soil mix help

[Phoenix238]

Need somewhere in or near Adelaide to get diatomite. My current mix is about 1/2 potting mix 1/2 aquatic plant mix, but I don't have any in bonsai pots only styro boxes

[matlea]

Been using a mix similar to kens above but with pine nuggets added as well.... Seems to be working well

[Bush bunny]

Don't do what I did! I read kitty litter was ok for putting in for drainage, so I put about an inch at the bottom of my needle juniper, with bonsai mix, some spag and dried peat moss, some grit. Well it would not drain, and after examining the underneath drainage hole the kitty litter I used had formed like soft concrete plug. So a re-potting was in order in winter. I think I saved it?

[Bougy Fan]

If you don't know the product is diatomite you have to test it first to make sure it is suitable as a bonsai mix. You are probably better mixing it through your mix rather than using it as a drainage layer at the bottom. This article by Harry Harrington would have to best on determining a cat litters suitability as a bonsai mix http://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basicscatlitter.htm

[Bush bunny]

I think the bottom line is good drainage, as well as some water holding properties. I wonder if you are referring to diatomaceous earth that comes in various gauges, you do know not to inhale it? I might seem to be over careful, but a lady died from Legionnaires disease a few months ago, from inhaling spores from the potting mix she was using. When I was studying organic agricultural production, soil chemistry etc., we were told this. Also advised to get a tetanus injection that last 10 years. When my poor old dog bit me (it was my fault he was ailing and I dropped him putting him in the car) I received 2 IV antibiotics and then they asked about tetanus and I just had a booster.

[Bek]

Phoenix, you can buy Diatomite from Cobb & Co in Pooraka. Just off Research Rd. Their website lists them as being wholesale, but just go in and tell them someone from the Bonsai club sent you in and they're happy to sell to gardening groups/individuals. They've got a fair bit available, and they're cheaper than Bunnings for most stuff too.

[Bek]

Phoenix, they also sell the mini orchid bark nuggets that lots of bonsai people I know here in Adelaide use. Just make sure you get the Mini and not the small ones.

[Bek]

http://cobbandcoaustralia.com.au

[Phoenix238]

Thanks Bek, now I just have to make it down to Adelaide and I'll be set! Much appreciated

[Ben Thomas]

50% diatomite, 50% pine nuggets, that's it nothing else. ALL my trees grow in it from Juni's, deciduous, natives, the lot. Liquid feed and top dressing with osmocote, chook poo, whatever depending on tree. Never had any issues so far and don't seem to get curl grubs either. I sift to 3 sizes. Small for small-medium bonsai, medium for larger bonsai and the rest goes to my growing on boxes. I have my grow on trees in it so when it's time to put into a bonsai put I'm not changing soil structure much. Just particle size. If I don't get all the growing on mix of the roots, not a probablem as it is going into similar mix. Works for me, is simple, easy to get and trees Are healthy. When I'm showing a tree I scrape of the top layer and redress with small graded mix to tidy it up. Moss loves it to so easy to dress trees for show and have moss alive at the end.

Josh.

I like this simple idea! What size pine bark nuggets? I have an ANL landscape supplies just down the road. Maybe I can pick these up there?

[Josh]

50% diatomite, 50% pine nuggets, that's it nothing else. ALL my trees grow in it from Juni's, deciduous, natives, the lot. Liquid feed and top dressing with osmocote, chook poo, whatever depending on tree. Never had any issues so far and don't seem to get curl grubs either. I sift to 3 sizes. Small for small-medium bonsai, medium for larger bonsai and the rest goes to my growing on boxes. I have my grow on trees in it so when it's time to put into a bonsai put I'm not changing soil structure much. Just particle size. If I don't get all the growing on mix of the roots, not a probablem as it is going into similar mix. Works for me, is simple, easy to get and trees Are healthy. When I'm showing a tree I scrape of the top layer and redress with small graded mix to tidy it up. Moss loves it to so easy to dress trees for show and have moss alive at the end.

Josh.

I like this simple idea! What size pine bark nuggets? I have an ANL landscape supplies just down the road. Maybe I can pick these up there?

Ben I use Ausgro 5-8mm Orchid Nuggets (mini) they come in a 50 ltr bag.
See here http://biogro.com.au/index.php?page=retail
I find this a good size and very few fines so very little wastage.

Josh.

[bamboos]

Hi Phoenix238
Have you tried the local mining,engineering and farm supply shops in Kadina?
I think you could probably buy kleensorb in one of them
It's used extensively in the mining , hydraulic and engineering industries
Blackwoods p/l are in Whyalla and they definitely sell kleensorb
Regard Steve
Oops just had a look at google Whyalla is further than Adelaide but you get the idea

[Phoenix238]

Thanks bamboos, I'll ask around

[Ben Thomas]

Thanks! All very helpful. So where do I get Diatomite??

[rodm]

Hi Ben
Enfield Products in Sydney. Mate I use Searles Bonsai mix and add diatomite to it about 20-25%, 2-7 mm size. Depending on the size of the pot/plant eg shohin size, I will sift down to smaller size diatomite. Use the bigger stuff for bigger bonsai's. I think the biggest problem is you might have to wash or blow the dust out of the diatomite
Cheers Rod