Mix and let sit for 2 weeks minimum for lime to adjust Ph 5.1.1 5 parts pine bark fines (partially composted fines are best) 1 part sphagnum peat (not reed or sedge peat please) 1-2 parts perlite garden lime (or gypsum for acid loving plants) controlled release fertilizer (optional) micro-nutrient powder, other source of micro-nutrients (optional) Big batch: 2-3 cu ft pine bark fines 5 gallons peat 5 gallons perlite 2 cups dolomitic garden lime (or gypsum for acid loving plants) 2 cups CRF (optional) 1/2 cup micro-nutrient powder (or other source of the minors - provided in some fertilizers) Small batch: 3 gallons pine bark 1/2 gallon peat 1/2 gallon perlite 4 tbsp lime - 1tbsp per gallon of finished soil (or gypsum in some cases) 1/4 cup CRF (if preferred) micro-nutrient powder (or other source of the minors) GRITTY MIX 1 part uncomposted screened pine or fir bark (1/8-1/4") 1 part screened Turface 1 part crushed Gran-I-Grit (grower size) or #2 cherrystone 1 Tbsp gypsum per gallon of soil CRF (if desired) Source of micro-nutrients or use a fertilizer that contains all essentials I use 1/8 -1/4 tsp Epsom salts per gallon of fertilizer solution when I fertilize (check your fertilizer - if it is soluble, it is probable it does not contain Ca or Mg.

Hi Noki, The plant in your picture is 'Compacta'; more precisely it is S. trifasciata Laurentii 'Compacta'. Laurentii is a variety of trifasciata, while others such as daria, Lillian True, mein liebling, silver queen, forescate, etc., are cultivars of Laurentii. The plant in your picture represents a Beautifully grown specimen, showing the plant off to its maximum potential. I show here below my compacta grown several years ago.

How did you find an actual fireback to insert? I did a image search for firebacks and picked one that was shot straight on and square (easier to copy and paste squares or rectangles than ovals and other shapes). I played with the image in Paint to get it to the right size for your image. I learned this all by trial and error when I worked on my kitchen design. ...that's more gray, so I guess if I chose a gray one, then Carrara marble would probably look better that calacutta? I personally prefer the marble tile over the white subways and prefer calacatta over carrara for your kitchen. You've got a lot of white and black going on already; the gold veins bring in the warmth from your lovely wood floors (and possibly your walls, can't quite tell what color they are). I don't think you have to have everything match exactly. As long as the tones compliment each other - no cool grays with warm grays - I think you can blend a grayish fireback with near black counters and calacatta marble tile. Personally, I think that also makes for a more interesting mix.

I suggest looking into getting something that ionizes the water like this: https://www.homedepot.com/p/SCALESWEEPER-0-25-GPG-Electronic-Anti-Scale-Water-Conditioner-SW-17/304780106?MERCH=REC--PIPHorizontal2_rr--204186467--304780106--N It helps eliminate the scale buildup and it's very easy to install. That way you can get the products you want.