Whether or not the materials are suitable depends more on their size than anything else. You want all the particles in the soil to be pretty regular in size and concentrated around that 1/8" size, +/- 1/16". I use equal parts of pre-screened orchid (fir) bark in 1/8-1/4" size, screened Turface, and either Gran-I-Grit in grower size or #2 cherrystone. You can't avoid the major work of a full repot, and the first time you do it, if the roots have been neglected, is the most difficult. The bad news is if you don't do it, your plants will steadily decline. The good news is that once the plants are in the gritty mix pictured, subsequent repots and root-pruning are quite easy. I have all my houseplants (including cacti/succulents) and all my woody material in the gritty mix. If you've spent time here on the Container Forum, you can probably tell I've done a LOT of experimenting with soils, and I've yet to find a formulation that tops the one I just shared above. It is a VERY good choice for any of your plants. I'm not sure what to tell you about your 'time' constraints. You can research further to find what the individual components 'jobs' are in the soil, and see if you have anything that closely matches their 'job description'. I CAN say that if you're particular about your soils, looking for and finding the ingredients I listed will be worth the time/energy outlay. Good luck. ;o) Al

Thanks to all!! I forgot how to get to the Pet Forum, crazy I know. I forgot I put it in my bookmarks page! =) I've had several regular Aussies in the past and none of them shed in clumps like my little guy. That's why I was a bit concerned. I brush him often and do get quite a bit of fur out doing this as well. He sheds quite a bit normally as I run a duster mop over the floor almost daily and guess what? His fur is all over it! =) Gotta love um! Now, I also think he may be sensitive to grains. I stopped by a "natural" pet food store today and they recommended switching him over to Wild Prairie, Orijen or the brand with Dick Van Patton's name on it. Anyone use any of these brands and what where the results??? Orijen was so very expensive by the way! Yikes! Thanks again!

Thanks!

Nick, An impressive bunch of pictures. Dare I say some of the most impressive you have offered! At least in my eye. Since I've joined this forum I have found the Speciousums, acquired 3, including one hillii received in trade from you that will provide me my first speciousum flowers. This species and its hybrids are becoming my favorites. My hillii has 6 young and healthy spikes. I'm doing my best to be patient. Thanks.