AusBonsai

hey everyone

i've only been using pre mixed "bonsai" potting mixes and have been worrying about drainage issues and rot
so i have been reading more and more and more
about in organic mix's but they are quite daunting to the novice haha
i know these topics have been asked over and over but ill ask again

i like the sound of kens mix 2/3 diatomite and 1/3 zeolite

i was looking at getting diatomite from enfield and saw they sell perlite as well
which got me thinking could i substitute the zeolite for perlite

2/3 diatomite 1/3 perlite is there a downside? upside?

any help would be fantastic

cheers
matt

matty-j wrote: i was looking at getting diatomite from enfield and saw they sell perlite as well
which got me thinking could i substitute the zeolite for perlite

2/3 diatomite 1/3 perlite is there a downside? upside?

any help would be fantastic

cheers
matt

Hi Matt,
Just saw this post in the View Active Thread section and thought I would give you my thoughts.
As perlite and diatomite are similar in many respects (although the former is a glass and the latter is a rock) I would be more inclined to say that the perlite and diatomite are the two which would be appropriate to interchange, rather than the zeolite.
Both diatomite and perlite can hold more than their own weight in water and aid drainage in a mixture as their structure doesn't change once wet. Zeolites on the other hand are used for their ability to hold/store molecules such as potassium and nitrogen in their structure. The sharp edges are also thought to be good for the roots of plants too, from memory it is something to do with promoting root branching (sorry but I have forgotten the exact reason ).
A bit long winded but if I was in your position I would be swapping between the diatomite and perlite, not between the zeolite and perlite.
Cheers, let us know how you go.

Lacertilian is right mate,
Don't swap the zeolite for perlite, if anything I would consider a trial using 40% diatomite, 40% perlite and 20% zeolite. I have tried it out with no problems to date. The zeolite is acidic, the perlite is more acidic whereas the diatomite is alkaline. If you are growing acid loving plants (maples, azalea etc) they may not like straight diatomite. At least if you blend the three you should achieve a well aerated, free draining mix that will hold available water and nutrients ready for use.
In my opinion perlite is a great product, high air filled porosity, great water holding capacity and dirt cheap for volume compared to the other two. The decent drawback is that it is light and easily washes away from the surface of pots, this is easily solved by placing a heavier medium on top. A lesser drawback is that it can turn green, only a problem if you want it to be though.

Trial and error and what works best for your plants and back pocket

I have not tried Perlite myself, but at somestage was intending to add some Pumice to see what that might do
I would agree with both previous posts tho.
Get some small starters of a few varieties you have or lesser type test trees, and give it a try.

Ken

Just for the record KC, perlite and pumice are virtually the same thing. The main difference being that perlite is man made in kilns and pumice is made by nature, it's process making it a heavier and harder

I've been using perlite for a few years because I couldn't source diatomite. Now that I can source diatomite, I can't find perlite in the 100 litre size, only 5L.
The price I was paying for the 100L of perlite was around $35, while the 5L costs around $10. Not falling for that!
I use it for drainage in mixes and when mixed 50/50 with sand is a great medium for cuttings.
Interesting you mentioning that zeolite is acidic Damian, can you remember where you read that?
Cheers

were can i get diotamite in melbourne can anybody tell me please? thanks

thats for the reply's and info

very much appreciated i think a trip to ray's will solve everything

if only i could walk out of there with just zeolite

jarrod23 wrote:were can i get diotamite in melbourne can anybody tell me please? thanks

Give these guys a go. I haven't tried them yet as I got some from one of the guys in our club but will need some more soon so will be having a look soon.

Vitec Aust P/L, located at Somerville, SE Melbourne suburb. 1800 622 345, info@vitec.com.au

Josh

cough cough

jarrod23 wrote:were can i get diotamite in melbourne can anybody tell me please? thanks

Damian Bee wrote:

jarrod23 wrote:were can i get diotamite in melbourne can anybody tell me please? thanks

What exactly are you bumping I only commented a few minutes ago

I'm pretty sure Damian sells it.

Scott Roxburgh wrote:I'm pretty sure Damian sells it.

Ahhhhhh now that makes sense. Ya need to speak up Damien, some of us are a bit slow
Can you PM me with prices or post on here if your allowd to.

Josh

LOL that is funny Losh
Thanks Damian re the perlite / Pumice info.
Never used either so interesting

Maybey we should have a wiki page for suppliers of hard to get products?

Ken