AusBonsai

I use diatomite for all my trainers, but I have noticed it is actually becoming discoloured. It has started to turn a rather green colour, but there appears to be no ill effect on any of the plants thankfully. Is this the result of the application of fertilizer, or the development of some sort of fungi/moss?

James

Hi James
Yep it gets a greenish film on the surface, that is I think caused by the fertilisers we use. It starts to form after i put on pelletised chook poo on the surface( Neutrog), I have noticed the same thing on Akadama when I was trying it too. Also happens but to a much lesser extent with Ray Nescis Soil that I used to use.

To combat it, i have 2 methods. Periodically take off the top layer of mix and refresh it. Dry out the old one and wash out.
Spray the soil and lower trunk with a weak Vinegar / water mix. This will kill the green stuf off and clean it up

Ken

Very helpful. Thanks Ken!

Hi all, I know that diatomite, amongst other products,is used to clean up chemical spills and is apparently one of the better substances for doing this. So maybe we should look into sourcing it via that angle...obviously need the correct partical size etc, just an idea. If anyone looks into this, please notify the AB members.
I spoke to the Melb supplier of diatomite a couple of days ago (Sage Hort.) and he stated that there is no change with a change in ownership regarding the Maidenwell mine. Apparently it isn't as simple as just buying the mine etc, as a lot of the mining equiptment needs to be fixed or replaced...so who knows if Maidenwell will ever get up and running again? Sage hort. won't be supplying Mt Sylvia diatomite as a replacement due to the ph issues with it. I realise many disagree with the whole ph debate and think it a non-issue, I am just passing on the latest for Melbournians who used to get their supply from them.
Cheers, Dario

It's also my understanding that they suffered property and machinery damage from the floods earlier this year, and are still undergoing repairs.