AusBonsai

hi all
i found a type of cat litter called Trouble & Trix natural mineral clay cat litter which seems like it might be alright as a substrate. im just wandering id anyone has any information as to whether its a good product for the job or not?

Thanks,
Hugh

To determine it's suitability you need to wet it and make sure it holds together and not crumble. Have a look at Harry Harringtons bonsai4me site for more details

thanks mate, ive given it a go and it seems that some bits are very hard and some bits crumble when you press them together, so im not sure how it would go. might give it a test run with some cuttings ive striked this year.

Hugh

To be honest Mt Sylvia diatomite works out to be a lot cheaper and is sold in a lot of pet stores as cat litter. I only ever used Chandlers before I found Maidenwell and then Mt Sylvia but it was a lot more expensive.

yes i was using maidenwell diatomite but now its unavailable so i need something else to replace it as i need to do some more repotting. Mt sylvia would be good i just dont want to have to have to order it in or go to far to get it so im looking for something i can get close by.
so is the mt sylvia diatomite sold as cat litter called chandlers?

Hugh

No Mt Sylvia is sold as Kleensorb in a 35 litre bag. Works out much cheaper and should be easily available at produce stores or pet stores.

Bougy Fan wrote:No Mt Sylvia is sold as Kleensorb in a 35 litre bag. Works out much cheaper and should be easily available at produce stores or pet stores.

Please check out ph level guys !!! Thats a major issue !!!

anttal63 wrote:

Bougy Fan wrote:No Mt Sylvia is sold as Kleensorb in a 35 litre bag. Works out much cheaper and should be easily available at produce stores or pet stores.

Please check out ph level guys !!! Thats a major issue !!!

Ummm, No its not
In theory, the advertised PH is 7.5 or so, is a no go, but in practice it makes no difference. If it did then the Azaleas I have in it would not be growing as ramantly as they do.

As always, get a sample of the product and put a few cuttings or Starters in it to test for you self

ken

Have to agree with you Ken - have been using Mt Sylvia for over a year on and off without any issues. I only prefered Maidenwell because of the colour of the particles. I do find Mt Sylvia to be more consistent in size with less dust.

An interesting article in the AABC Bonsai Magazine about soil mixes. By the way more members should become subsribers, as this is an Australian magazine for Australian growers.

In it the author states that you could, Quote( use broken beer bottles. If you were able to provide the constant watering and feeding, that such a mix would require.)

He also states, which I totally agree with is, Quote ( the most important ingrediant is YOU! ) these quotes are attributed to Ian Barnes.

The soil mix debate will go on forever, my take on it is your conditions dictate. What your conditions, are high humid conditions require less humus,and more course for drainage, than hot dry conditions that require more humus, also if your trees are growing well, then you have the right mix.

Like the old adage if it aint broke dont fix it.

Just my Pup

Very true Pup. Walter Pall Said as much in his article on Substrates that is really does not matter. So long as they stay firm and open and not go gluggy and compacted ( like a lot of Kitty litter varieties).
Keep the water up and lots of Ferts is they key.

Ken

When bits show through on the surface my Kleensorb turns green very readily == dont look so good -- last 2cm now no Kleensorb.

hi pup what does AABC stand for? and can you source it through your local newsagent?

Greenhorn wrote:hi pup what does AABC stand for? and can you source it through your local newsagent?

http://www.aabcltd.org/subscribe-to-our-magazine/ Association of Australian Bonsai Clubs = AABC I haven't personally subscribed yet, but I have my subscription form filled out and ready to post. ( I just need to get a money order)

thanks heaps luke i'll be doing the same thing asap