That particular mix is known as "Al's Gritty Mix" and very likely the recipe sourced from here (http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/2842847/container-soils-water-movement-and-retention-xxii?n=356), where you can learn all about it.

Bonsai Jack does not specify particle/screen sizes used so do check on that before assuming it will behave as reported in above link.

Daniel

@ewwmayo(ON-CA 6a)

Hi,

I just got my Bonsai Mix soil.

How often should I water my plants? Do you water your plants until you see water coming out from the draining holes?

I live in NYC. 40 degree right now.

Thanks for helping me out.

Danny

Danny - It all depends on what you are growing and how much light/airflow you have indoors. Normally I do water my pots until water flows well out of the drain holes.

Right now I am soaking my pots to water my plants, however I would not recommend this for you (and most people).

I don't see where you've said what kind of plants you're growing other than succulents, which don't all have the same care requirements. So it's hard to counsel on watering w/out knowing what kind of plants or the setting you're be growing in.

If you could pls specify which plants we're talking about, how you're growing them & maybe some pix, we might be able to help more.

I just report my succulents to my new soil mix that i bought it from bonsai jack website. These are my succulents.

Its 36 degree outside. I live in New York City.

@lmontestella((NYC) 7b) @ewwmayo(ON-CA 6a)

I know this is a dumb stupid question that i am going to ask again. Base of my weather and the location that I am living. How often should i water my plants now, and then summer?

I was thinking once every two weeks now .

Any advise Help.

Danny

Nice plants, good re-potting. They all should benefit from well-draining mix.

I would suggest checking the soil for left-over moisture: use bamboo skewer or wooden dowel with sharpened tip; insert into soil and see if it comes out clean and dry (time to water); if damp and with small particles sticking to it - still enough moisture, so wait day or few.

Keep them in as much light as possible, few look etiolated. I would imagine the box and deep plastic container are just temporary, while re-potting?

Outdoors temps make no difference if the plants are inside - warmer it is, more often they may need to be watered.

^-- Agreed!

I also live in NYC, Manhattan. Even now in the winter, I find myself watering the plants I have in gritty mix quite frequently. Make sure you drain extra water by tilting the pots. Lately when I replant I use a screw driver to make as many extra holes as possible, but I find that water just prefers to drain out of only a few of those holes. If I tilt the pots, extra water runs out.

Hi Dan,

Thanks for providing pix & location.

It's not a dumb question,
especially if one is trying a new mix. Folks here are reluctant to
specify frequency of watering 'cause it's so variable according to what's grown
& setting & culture.

I'd guess 2 wks is a
good starting point for you, 'til you mention Bonsai or Gritty mix. I
don't use it myself, but have also heard folks using it need to water more frequently.

I grow a similar
group in one window. I'm nearby in Brooklyn, using a west window open
2"; plants sit directly on top of a working radiator which is turned on.
I'm watering at every 2 wks, but I’ve got heat on & have some soil in
my mix (C&S mix w/ a lot of pumice).

So my point is I'm
growing similar plants, small like you, but in different conditions, so
watering will likely differ,

Going to look for a
pic or 2.

Lena

Let's see here, a comparable group of Crassulacae, Gasteria & Haworthias.

Left rear & center front Gasterias. Lower left & upper right, various Kalanchoes, Orgyalis & mixed Oak Leaf & maybe Kiwi. Watering abt every 2 wks, more or less, but again, a porous mix, but not the Gritty or Bonsai, has some soil in it.

lmontestella((NYC) 7b)

They are beautiful. I am afraid if my plants gets bigger. I have a small apartment. hehe.

I am very afraid when I have to water my plants before with cactus soil with perlite. Since i got this mix two days ago, I watered my plants with this mix bonsai soil very free. :)

You have a nice collection. lets keep update each other.

danny.

Don't be afraid Dan, we'll show you how to cut plants back when they get big. See the spool of thread there, shows the size, these are small now & can be cut back if/when needed.

Also, try not to be afraid of watering, but pls. know a good rule we use in succulents about watering is;

when in doubt about watering, don't

'cause these plants can come back better from under watering than overwwatering. Hopefully in your new Bonsai mix they will drain freely & will do well.

Thx for the compliments, and yes, we shall 'speak' here again.

Hi @lmontestella((NYC) 7b) and @ewwmayo(ON-CA 6a)

Have you guys planted with Al's mix or Bonsai mix with Cactus?

Do you think my new Bonsai mix would work on my cactus too?

I know that it works on succulents but cactus?

Thanks

Danny.