Bad batch of diatomite.

[Paulneill]

Hi guys.

I'm writing this to raise awareness of this diatomite.
The most recent stuff I got from Enfield produce is not what I'm used to from there and I'm now a bit worried about it. I repotted about 10 trees a few weeks ago. First thing a noticed was the gray colour 20% of the diatomite
changes to when wet. Next thing I noticed was lots of silt/dust that drains from it when watered. I then noticed some of the stones were turning to mush while others were breaking up much easier than normal.
So I am trying to figure out what to do now . I think I need to repot all these trees and come up with a different mix

[kcpoole]

Is it Mt Sylvia ? is the product called "Kleensorb" in the green bag?

can you post a pic of the bag ?

Ken

[cre8ivbonsai]

Looks like they are selling a cheaper version of mt Sylvia diatomite not under the Kleensorb label ... http://www.petandgarden.com.au/diatomit ... -20kg.html Is this what your bought Paul?

[Black Knight]

Hi,
It looks like I have the same problem. The first bag of Kleensorb was perfect, it really was a waste of time to sieve, it was good. However, the bag purchased 3 weeks ago and just opened, appears to have the same problem as you. Small paticles, dusty and lots of greys

Where to now

[kcpoole]

Hi,
It looks like I have the same problem. The first bag of Kleensorb was perfect, it really was a waste of time to sieve, it was good. However, the bag purchased 3 weeks ago and just opened, appears to have the same problem as you. Small paticles, dusty and lots of greys

Where to now

Is it the same Bag and labelling?
It is a white bag with green printing on it that says Kleesorb
According to Mt Sylvia website it is still in 35L bags
http://www.mtsylviadiatomite.com.au/mod ... ensorb.pdf

Ken

[pommie_mal]

Sounds just like the stuff I bought called Septone Absorb. It contained heaps of material that turned to mush when mixed with water. It took me hours to sieve out the garbage & mush, ended up with about 30% to 40% that was useable for bonsai.

[Paulneill]

Yes ken kleensorb.

[Paulneill]

[Paulneill]

I also got a bag of the large particle stuff it has no problems. Comes in a plain white larger bag

[kcpoole]

Thanks Paul

I suggest you ring Mt Sylvia direct and ask them what is going on. When I first found them they we really responsive and happy to discuss all things like supply and sourcing.

those photos are amazing! I assume hou just squashed the pellets?
if so then it nothing like the original lighter coloured material.

Ken

[Paulneill]

Actually I just inspected the large particle diatomite and it has the same problem I also noticed that it's not just the gray stuff but also the golden stuff to.

[Paulneill]

Any suggestions for a new mix. ? Can't believe I just wasted 60 bucks and a days work

[Bougy Fan]

Sounds like they may have a problem - not the product I have been using for years. Does you mix just contain diatomite or do you mix anything else in it. If you want a mostly inorganic mix have you tried deco ? The only problem with it is the weight - I have desert roses growing in a 100% mix and strike cuttings in the sifted fines.

[Paulneill]

I just squashed it with my hand didn't take much pressure. I just add zeolight bogy.
I

[Josh]

Wow that's not good. I'm about to go get 5 bags from my local supplier. Will have to keep an eye on it when I get it. Will be questioning the supplier when I get. Thanks for the heads guys. Not paying good money for rubbish.

Josh.