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This is a continuously updated archive of the Aroid-L mailing list in a forum format - not an actual Forum. If you want to post, you will still need to register for the Aroid-L mailing list and send your postings by e-mail for moderation in the normal way.
Re: Soil mix!!
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From: "Clarence Hammer" chammer at cfl.rr.com> on 2002.04.03 at 16:38:17(8435)
Susan, I have also heard of 'something' being in pine bark and needles that
discourage growth of weeds, so you don't have to move to the funny farm.
I've also heard that you should use cypress mulch because pine bark mulch
attracts roaches. Also heard they all attract termites. Perhaps faery
tales, rumor, grandpa's wood lore, or fact.
The idea with a mulch of any kind is that if it's thick enough, as in at
least 3 to 4 inches, most weeds will not grow thru it, and it also cuts off
light to any seeds that may require it to germinate. Even layers of
newspaper, sawdust, etc can be a mulch.
Bark in a mix apparently uses up nitrogen as it breaks down, so if it's a
large part of the mix, extra nitrogen as
fertilizer should be used.
I don't like bark 'nuggets' (big 3 to 4 inch pieces) which is widely
available here as a mulch. The fine stuff that's left in that bag after the
chunks are taken out is what I like. 2 cubic foot bags of it are available
here for just a few dollars if one looks long enough. 'Fine' to me is
pieces about 1/4 inch and smaller.
Another product I like is called 'soil conditioner' here. I think it's fine
bark that's been composted but not completely. Lot of 'soil-like' material
mixed with small bark. I've only seen it offered at wholesale nursery
supply places.
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I do agree perlite has faults---fluoride, and yes, some of it does float to
the top of the mix. But given
the wide availability of it, and lack of other good substitutes, it's not
that bad for most plants. I've experimented
with some success with lava rock (1 to 2" pieces) mixed with a peaty bark
mix for large philodendrons. But lava rock isn't cheap either. If someone
would produce a crushed lava rock in 1/4 inch pieces, I think it would make
an outstanding sub for pumice. But I'd probably only use it on succulents.
Back in the old days (70s) I used to swear by a soilless mix touted by Elvin
MacDonald (wrote books on gesneriads, indoor plants), and I grew perfect
plants in it. Lean mix was 1 part peat, 1 part perlite, and 1 part
vermiculite. Rich mix was same but with 2 parts peat. At the same time,
Cornell University touted a mix that I believe was just peat and
vermiculite. I found this too moisture retentive. Knew of a Hoya guru
named Loyce Andrews that grew them in pure vermiculite. I rotted everything
when I tried it. A relatively new material being used in the agricultural
trade called Turface has some possibilities. It's been used for
conditioning baseball fields for years apparently, and is a fired clay
product about 1/8 inch size. I've found it at wholesale agricultural supply
places and an Ace Hardware store, and a feed store under another name.
Always looking for a new soil amendment, I'm fascinated with experimentation
in potting mixes, especially for my Aroids. Anyone with ideas, experiences,
suggestions, would love to hear from you on this forum.
Russ.
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