Soil mix

From: Pugturd at aol.com on 2000.04.08 at 16:18:05(4354) Hello this is Brain Williams. I would like to know from the people who grow some nice size plants what are the best soil mixes to use. I have been using a soil mix of one part long fiber sphagnum moss. One part potting soil, and one part mini pine nuggets. This seems good for the Anthuriums and philodendrons but what about the Amorphophallus and other strange aroids. I have heard form using just rocks to using leafs. What is best? I like a lot of others have had problems with rot. Especially with Amorphophallus. Also would it be better for me to take the bulbs out of the pots in the winter and store in side were they will be drier? When should watering start? THANKS hope to hear some good information on this.

From: Tim & Mary McNinch Newton at coiinc.com> on 2000.04.09 at 15:23:48(4362) Brian: Each natural species developed in a soil mix that allowed it to survive in the natural surroundings. Even if one has the patience, it is nearly impossible to imitate the natural soil requirements of a given plant. I have some Am. species that I simply plant right outdoors in the ground. My soil here has a high clay content, but not enough to cause severe problems. My plants grow well, flower and reproduce. I am sure they would do better with more attention to soil and fertilizers, but they do well and do not appear stressed. The only rule I follow for potted Am. species is to provide them with PLENTY of root space. If I see any sign of pot-bound roots, next year's pot get much larger. I use a mixture of general purpose potting soil with garden compost. I fertilize weekly and keep them well watered and well drained. I have never had a tuber rot (yet). I do not allow standing water in any of my Am. species. As for over wintering, some Am. species do OK out of the soil, others should be left undisturbed. Your best bet is to list the sp. you are most interested in and see who else responds. Tim +More Hope this helps. Pugturd@aol.com wrote: > Hello this is Brain Williams. I would like to know from the people who grow > some nice size plants what are the best soil mixes to use. I have been using > a soil mix of one part long fiber sphagnum moss. One part potting soil, and > one part mini pine nuggets. This seems good for the Anthuriums and > philodendrons but what about the Amorphophallus and other strange aroids. I > have heard form using just rocks to using leafs. What is best? I like a lot > of others have had problems with rot. Especially with Amorphophallus. > Also would it be better for me to take the bulbs out of the pots in the > winter and store in side were they will be drier? When should watering start? > THANKS hope to hear some good information on this.

From: Betsytrips at aol.com on 2000.04.10 at 23:04:48(4363) Such good advice. At some point one has to accept you cannot produce the in site soil conditions or for that matter, atmosphere conditions. You either do the best you can or you make it a suffering experience. Learn to enjoy your plants and then it is fun. But then, maybe some like the suffering. Betsy

From: "Clarence Hammer" chammer at cfl.rr.com> on 2002.04.04 at 17:38:46(8464) Folks, Duh, hello!! Just to qualify some of my statements about soil mixes, I've realized that when I think of Aroids, I mentally don't include the terrestrial Amorph's and the like, and many of you folks may have these as a primary interest, and may even grow no other Aroids. My interest is mainly in Philodendron, Monstera, Syngonium, Aglaonema, etc, and my impression is that I'm a distinct minority among Aroid growers. Emphasis and interest has definitely switched to the tuberous Amorph relatives in the Society and I'm constantly forgetting this. Soil mixes with large grain sand, or other aggregates are perfectly appropriate for the Amorph group. So please excuse my 'narrow mindedness' in my comments concerning aggregates and Aroids. +More Russ.

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