I thought that this was rather an interesting read. I used to use this product, but the supplier closed and unable to get it.

http://crataegus.com/2013/11/2...

Rick

Hmph! I found out how bad this product is to use as a component of "gritty mix!" It was all the rave in another forum site so I tried it in my attempt at bonsai. Yikes! The mix does not hold either water or nutrients. I had a suspicion that this would be the case and why I questioned its use to begin with.

I was assured that it was the best thing for my adeniums. Now I know from anecdotal evidence that the popular "gritty mix" is all hype. Now I'm having to transplant some plants out of this mix and back into my potting soil/perlite media.

I still just use basic miracle gro potting soil with orchid bark added in when I can afford it. I still haven't had any problems, and I keep them wet. I do however always keep them growing if possible.

I guess so many people, so many different potting mixes. Everyone does have their own idea about what is best for their plants. As i am new to them i did not try many different mixes yet. I do now have mixed 2 types of potting soil mixed with Perlite.

I have recently begun using Growstone in place of perlite. http://www.growstone.com/
It does not float which I love about it. I find the particles a bit large but it is not that big an issue.

I do not think that 'Gritty Mix' is a bad mix to use. It may come down to what is in the mix, but the theory behind the use of this mix is very good. Many of us do not have to water as frequently during cooler weather and more often when hot in summer months. It is not practical or beneficial to the Adeniums to be transplanted multiple times each year.
Any perched water in combination with cold temperatures is surely death to Adeniums.

What it comes down to is that each of us has to grow these trees in what is available to us where we reside. What ever works for us. Unfortunately, when we are addressing people on a forum site where ever, we have to remain responsible in what we chose to use based on information given. It is impossible for anyone to give absolute advice when we do not experience each other's climate or conditions available.

I am not sold on Turface and have experienced issues with it. I cannot use it for reasons mentioned and have switched to Pumice.
For me, the Gritty type mix with my own additives works very well. This is based on my trials and assistance by many.
Truthfully it should be called "Free Draining mix". The majority of plants need good aeration to the soil in which they grow.

Rick

Rainbow said:Hmph! I found out how bad this product is to use as a component of "gritty mix!" It was all the rave in another forum site so I tried it in my attempt at bonsai. Yikes! The mix does not hold either water or nutrients. I had a suspicion that this would be the case and why I questioned its use to begin with.

I was assured that it was the best thing for my adeniums. Now I know from anecdotal evidence that the popular "gritty mix" is all hype. Now I'm having to transplant some plants out of this mix and back into my potting soil/perlite media.

I finally left another gardening site because it seemed that every post turned into a huge discussion of the "benefits" of this gritty mix. I never tried it (I guess I'm not that serious a gardener) , but I do like to add perlite to my potting soil.

JedobaTX9b said:I still just use basic miracle gro potting soil with orchid bark added in when I can afford it. I still haven't had any problems, and I keep them wet. I do however always keep them growing if possible.

Instead of Turface some folks - me included - use NAPA # 8822 floor dry - made of calcined clay. I have used some of Tapa's formulations - I assume that is the gritty mix being discussed. I never had problems with it, but have moved on.

My primary mix is now;

1 - Happy Frog or Foxfarm - primary media
2 - Coir
3 - Perlite
4 - Either Chicken Grit (granite crushed), NAPA 8822 or Special Kitty from Walmart

I may or may not use # 4. Depends on what I am doing.

For outside soil mixes, I use a lot of pine bark fines too.

I am trying to get my gritty mix to be a little more moist. My blend has Grostone, Firbark, zeolite stones, Bonsai clay rocks equal amounts of each. It is not staying moist at all. I don't know what to add to help with a little bit more moisture. What do you suggest?

Coir.

Chunks or powder? I have 5 new trees in my mix for one to two weeks. They are on low grow lights at night and full mountain sun during the day 73c

I use the highly refined stuff. When I need to kick up the moisture content of a mix/blend, I like it. But one must be careful, cause it is so water retentive.

See my post on Jan 23 above for a typical mix.

Thanks
I will just add a bit and see.