Diatomite

[cmndapnda]

Thanks Kevin.

After doing a bit of further reading...

Maybe I should go with something like 75% Diatomite and 25% Bark?

Would it be more beneficial to use Coir Peat instead of Bark?

[Ryceman3]

Thanks Ken and Rod for responding.

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

Dan

No idea what Ken uses, he may have something better but I have just added Spillzorbe to my mix (100% zeolite) that I got from a RSEA store in Melbourne, from memory 10kg was bout $17?? As for Pumice I haven't used so have no source - but I have heard good things so would love to know where it may be available for future reference.

[cmndapnda]

Further reading and there seem to be a million and one variations of valid Bonsai soil.

I'm thinking now of a basic full inorganic mix of 75-80% Diatomite and 25-20% Perlite.

With this mix at least as a complete Noob I can stress less at over watering and makes things a bit more forgiving if i make mistakes.

I've never cared for a plant before and now I'm noticing just how much attention I'm paying to my Murraya's and Ficus.

Thanks again everyone for the input.

http://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basicscatlitter.htm

[kcpoole]

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

Castle Mountain Zeolite I get in a 20L? bag from Ray Nesci

Pumice i have been getting from Lux Cuttings, but someone posted recently that they are no longer stocking it. I still have a bag so not an issue yet but we will have to sort out supplies I think.
https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index.php?title=Pumice

Re mixes of Diatomite and organics, quite a few members of the School are using diatomite added to organic mix with great sucess so if you want to go that route it is an option.
Whatever you do, do a few unimportant trees as test samples first
Ken

[Jdceng]

Hi There

Thought that I should mention this.

One of our members is a long time orchid grower and has mentioned that as in any mineral it may have a dangerous side, if the dust particles are accidentally inhaled in a confined space such as a small shed.

He said that it is advised to have it moist when using or at least wear a dust mask.

http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/degen.html

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

I have used kleensorb successfully with about a 60% cactus mix to 40 diatomite.
However I always sieve and rinse the diatomite first. I shake it through a metal lettuce strainer I bought from Ikea, the dust that falls through is very fine indeed. Do it outside and with a breeze. Then I put it this through a plastic green flat sieve to take out the large particles and these I use as a base layer in my pots, rinsed first. The next smaller size (majority) I use as an addition to my organic soil mix, but again rinsed and dried in the sun. This suits my watering patterns, as I may not be able to get to my trees everyday. The coarser the mix, the better the drainage, but the more regular the watering required. It is a balance of your needs and availabilities.

Those who don't rinse their diatomite should just see what comes out when it is wet and dried flat. You'd be amazed!!
Cheers
Stew

[cmndapnda]

Thanks for the further advice everyone.

JD - I did notice when I opened a bag of Perlite it was like a bag of cocaine had just been slapped across my face... Not that I know what that would feel like. But still.