AusBonsai

Since I won't be making a trip to Kingsford to acquire a 50L bag of Pumice due to the long trip.
What are everyones thought about Diatomite 2-7mm, Scoria 2-3mm, Zeolite and Perlite 2-5mm?

From what I've read is that Perlite and Pumice has the same properties which is aerating soil, 1 is light than the other, both are white vs the other is slightly darker.
If Perlite isn't an ideal additive to the mix for aeration, what other alternative can I get for Pumice or without Perlite is fine?

What about Fine gravel / grit opposed to Perlite?

I know this has been discussed in Soil Supply Post, but I would like advice on current sources/mixture.

Hi revo
perlite isn't the same as pumice , pumice holds a large amount of moisture trapped inside . You can plant your tree in pure pumice and many do, i for one . Diatomite is also a very good inorganic soil and can also be used by itself and i do that to . I tend to add a little say 20-30 % of orchid pine bark in the +- 5mm range. I've never tried scoria as i've not found it in the size i want and never used zeolite or perlite but from what i understand perlite doesn't hold a lot of moisture.
regards
peterb

Perlite can also be very messy as it is very light and dry Perlite on a pots surface can blow away in the wind.

Perlite holds very little to no moisture, but for me the lightness is a good thing, especially in larger pots.
It's primary purpose is to aid in aeration.
I would say in your mix there wouldn't be much need for it-all of your components would be pretty free draining anyway. Except scoria + zeolite = heavier so may consider swapping scoria for perlite.


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Isitangus wrote:Perlite holds very little to no moisture, but for me the lightness is a good thing, especially in larger pots.
It's primary purpose is to aid in aeration.
I would say in your mix there wouldn't be much need for it-all of your components would be pretty free draining anyway. Except scoria + zeolite = heavier so may consider swapping scoria for perlite.


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I've also seen propagators use purely Perlite to grow various plants which also intrigues me.
Been told to add a minimum of 10% of scoria with the current grade of 2-3mm and Zeolite is probably 5%, no more.
Perlite won't be added on top of the bonsai pot.
I bought 1 Medium Ausperl Perlite from Pet&Garden as well as Diatomite.
Zeolte from Nesci as well. Need to get Pumice when I feel like travelling to Kingsford and not as far as Caringbah Bonsai South.