AusBonsai

What grade does every one use of diatomite? The kleensorb(2-7mm), the Nursery grade $(0.9-2.0) or the Granular (0.6 to 0.9)?
Thanks
Glenn

gwilliamb wrote:The kleensorb(2-7mm)

^ this.

The other grades are too fine and would hold way too much water Glenn. One of the benefits of non organic mixes is better drainage, and this is helped by the particle size.

Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated

Re: Diatomite
Postby Charliegreen » April 26th, 2016, 1:35 pm

Bought two bags Mt Sylvia Green kleensorb on the weekend.
Glad to say best quality ive seen yet. Very hard granules.

Seen people growing plants in 90% diatomite with super growth rates.
Adding nutramin and dynamic lifter during growth seasons.

Sorry but what is nutramin?
Regards
Glenn

I plan on going to Enfield produce this Saturday to pick up some bags.

I would call before anyone goes to Enfield because I'm pretty sure I bought the last 2 bags they had on Tuesday.
Cheers
Beau

Will do, cheers.

whoopsie wrong post


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I would also ask, what is Nutramin?

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Hi All,

I'm going to grab some Kleensorb shortly.

Being new to Bonsai, I'm currently only using organic potting mix with grit and scoria stone on the base of pot.

I want to use a mix containing Kleensorb, can you guys advise of what you use and works for you?

I have read many info pieces and guides but none really relate to what we have available in Australia, let alone the terminology.

I currently have Perlite, small sand/grit/stone, larger sized scoria, organic potting mix and soon Kleensorb.

I am thinking of running something like 75% Kleensorb, 15% Potting Mix, 5% Perlite, 5% Grit.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Regards,
Dan

Hi Dan
This is what works for me. I use Searle bonsai mix or potting mix and add 20 - 25% diatomite. I know of people using a much higher percentage. Hope this helps?
Cheers RodM

cmndapnda wrote:Hi All,
I am thinking of running something like 75% Kleensorb, 15% Potting Mix, 5% Perlite, 5% Grit.

Why bother with the grit?
you would normally only add it to an organic mis to open it up and allow air to get in. The grit itself holds no moisture or nutrients, so with your other componenets is quite redundant.
Same may be said of perlite to but I ahve never used it myself

I use 1 bag each of Diatomite, Zeolite and now Pumice. mix them all together and that is it,

Keep it simple and especially if you are starting out. Old hands can experiment as they know what works for them and can readily identify differences in their trees behavior
if you want to us diatomite with organic potting mix as well, go for a back of potting mix to 1 of diatomite. add more diatomite if you wish.

Ken

Thanks Ken and Rod for responding.

It makes perfect sense for the grit to be unnecessary. Why have stones when you could have a media the same size that also provides nutrients and/or retains moisture.

Can you please provide some examples of the Zeolite and Pumice that you use and perhaps where you would normally buy this from?

Doing a quick search on Bunnings and Masters didn't return any results.

Thanks again.

Dan

Hello Dan,

Not sure about Brisbane, but in NSW PRODUCE STORES and / or Garden / retail nurseries. Ideally search your areas for specialist Bonsai retailers.

Good Luck.

Kevin

P.S. Here is a link for you:

http://www.bonsainorthsidenursery.com.au/