AusBonsai

Yet mine grows on
Here is the JBP in 100% Chandlers also the cactus for Joel The JBP seems a little lacking in nutrients but the structure of the mix is fine. You can see a definite nutrient deficiency in the succulent with the cactus although these have had a decent amount of fertiliser. The chandlers with the cactus has a mold growth on top from over watering. I have noticed this for a while but have not bothered to move it to a spot that will get less water. The structure is still sound. Now I have it in my hand I might move it

Here is a picture of a few other 100% mixes I already had going before the chandlers JBP. I twisted and severely root pruned these 1 year old seedlings(not the chandlers one, that was done at a latter date and just bare root transplant). I did most in a organic grit mix and most of those died. Almost every one in an in-organic mix lived. From left Scorio, Akadama. Diatomite. I will expand on this experiment next year but at the moment Akadama is clear leader.
Oh and the cactus and succulent where potted as unrooted cuttings.

Brett, although your picture of the cacti and succulent isnt clear,
but succulents do go pink from spring right through to winter.
Looks healthy to me.

i find the crushed brick comment very interesting...

cheers

Hey Bretts
Interesting that you find the Akadama best

I am finding that Diatomite/Zeolite performs better than Akadama

The plot thickens

The succulent should be a purle/red and green colour like the rest I have. I am pretty sure the one in chandlers is lacking something. I am not sure I can make this accent work as a cascade but it should look great in the right pot

I have found the diatomite great KC but this JBP is obviously very happy. With different mixes for seedlings they are waterd as one generally so there is no adjustment to watering for the different mixes. Thats why I need to expand the experiment. Put in a bigger investment so to say
As always looking forward to next years mixs

Bretts, I asked my father about your succulent turning red as he's a cactus nut Did you happen to put it in a brighter spot than the mother plant was? Because either too much light and/or heat stress can do it.

And as Petra said you can let the cuttings callous over for weeks before planting. I reckon some of dad's cuttings have been laying round the yard for months without drying up

Na mate about a foot down the shaded bench from where the one in the cascade pot is and the other ones are in full sun.

aaron_tas wrote:i find the crushed brick comment very interesting...

cheers

would that be the same as crushed terracotta???

does anyone know where to fins smaller grade crush terracotta ?

a local nursery sells only 10mm to 30mm

but i have heard its really good as it holds water

Interesting topic even to a newbie. I did my search for 'cat litter' here after reading this article on using it:

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

I don't think I saw this mentioned anywhere in the 6 pages of the topic.

I thought that website did get mentioned somewhere. It may have been a very slight mention though.
I think Harry classes the Diatomite as kitty litter for Australia which we know works very well.

Since this came up I thought I might mention that the cactus experiment is over. Not exactly sure what happened but I came out to find Bailey (4 year old) had repotted the Cactus after the pot had broken. He claims Shelby (2 year old) broke it

In any event I could not be upset for long as I think he did a ripper job on his own. Especially considering the spikes
Oh I just remembered that this was a cutting so that looks like pretty good root growth.

Not sure how the roots are on this one I found in the shade house the next day

Go Bailey!

Your cactus seems healthy Brett.

Joel

what's JBP?
Soil or tree??

Hi Orion,

JBP stands for Japanese Black Pine.

Joel