Taking on Gritty Mix
Sugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years ago
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Sugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agosf_rhino
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
My plumerias and the gritty mix results!
Comments (2)Is it too late to repot in Zone 6? I had the same conditions as Mike with non stop rain. I wanted to repot in Spring and never got to it. I have three plants which are really pot bound. Should I wait until next Spring or do it now. I'm planning on trying 'my take' on the gritty mix. Jane...See MoreSubstituting granite in gritty mix
Comments (8)When I make my medium mixes, I take into consideration where the container will be kept... as in what kind of environment it will be situated in. If it's for an outdoor container, I like a little more moisture retention because of the drying winds we get, combined with the heat of summer sun in my area. I also take into consideration the size of the pot, and any other variables that might affect moisture retention and evaporation. In short, I don't want to have to water more than once daily... just in case I can't be there to water for part of a day. I keep my larger Japanese Maple specimens in a cross between the 511 and the gritty mix. I'm sure that not much of what I'm saying will be usable to you... except that it helps me considerably to think about all the variables my containerized plant is likely to encounter through its growing season, which helps me decide on materials and ratios used in a particular mix. The fir bark is the mainstay... with perlite, granite chips, turface, peat, aliflor, and a few other ingredients to choose from. I tend to mix my mediums in small batches for the individual plant. Once you've been using this general type of a medium for a while, you get a feel for what mixture will work best for the plant you have in mind. Al and Josh always offer sound advice... you can't go wrong with their recommendations....See MoreBegonia Luxurians anyone
Comments (3)I would repot it when there is a forecast favorable enough that you'll be able to leave the plant outdoors for several days after the repot. I've grown several begonias in the gritty mix, most of them dwarfs, as companion plants for bonsai being displayed. All have done very well. If it's your first experience with the gritty mix, expect water to run through the soil quickly. The soil does hold more water than you think it does, but you will need to water more frequently; and because you'll be flushing the soil when you water, you'll need to fertilize more frequently as well. Using a short wick as a 'tell', to let you know when water is needed might be a good idea until you're up to speed. It does take a little getting used to, but I think you'll find it to be an exceptional soil for all your long term plantings once you do. Best luck, Susan! Al...See MoreCacti/ succulent potting mix made from scratch
Comments (15)Kevin says I am much more daring :). Maybe so - but I do not have such rare succulents as he has. And even if I try to provide for them best possible, there is no way I am willing to be a 'slave', lol...just too many to keep them moving. They need to help little, too. I am sort of letting them deal with the elements as they would if growing in habitat. Sure, it is not the same ; but providing great drainage helps. Rain every 5 days or so would be perfect - but we can't order it, unfortunately. And definitely protect them from torrential rains. Perhaps instead of moving them, you could just cover them with plastic sheet. I built 'succulent shelves' where I can have rolled up plastic on top, and drop it down if needed. Sides are open for good air circulation. But laying big sheet or even tarp over them should be helpful too. As long as they are not left under for a long time, when rain stops and is sunny - I understand that may be more difficult if at work. I would move most, if not all, inside in case of hurricane... Btw, to prevent mix falling out of pot, use a mesh on the bottom. Cut pieces of window screen, or wall-taping mesh, or arts&crafts plastic mesh. I use window screen cut to size (a winter project...usually done when too cold to do anything outside and while watching TV - at least I feel I am doing something useful :) Your plants are showing some etiolation so I would say move them slowly into better sunlight....See Moresf_rhino
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agorina_Ontario,Canada 5a
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agosf_rhino
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agonitely2
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoOhiofem 6a/5b Southwest Ohio
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agoLoveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agonitely2
11 years agolast modified: 9 years agocarat37
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agojenbis
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agojenbis
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agojenbis
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agogreenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agojenbis
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agothe_yard_guy
10 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoSugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agothe_yard_guy
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agorebuilder
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoLoveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
9 years agolast modified: 9 years ago
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Sugi_C (Las Vegas, NV)Original Author