berobinson82
Omono
In that video, the presenter stated that roots fork on sharp edges. I was under the impression that that was false. Can anyone comment?
Grow stone
- Thread starter jkd2572
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In that video, the presenter stated that roots fork on sharp edges. I was under the impression that that was false. Can anyone comment?
jquast
Chumono
Al,
Where in California are you getting your akadama for $20? Up here in the Bay Area it is mostly in the upper $20s closer to $30
Jeff
FrankP999
Shohin
Smoke
Ignore-Amus
That is the large stones....about 1 1/4 inch size. Too large.
RichKid
Shohin
So would this work as a reasonable replacement for turface?
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
Am I correct to understand you are in planning stages? If so there are many many ways people make or use mixes and it seems it really depends on what you are planting and growing.
For Succulents and Cactus I use Cactus Mix, Perlite, and Fine Peat in equal parts.
My Wifes Tropicals get Course Sand(called traction grit) Perlite and Cactus mix in equal parts.
For Hardwood Saplings I use a standard Bagged Top Soil, Fine Peat in equal parts with a handful of vermiculite.
When the tiny one's go into training I will be using her Tropical mix with more Perlite.
For rock planting I will be using John G's mix of Potters clay, long fibered sphagnum moss, and Michigan(fine) peat.
A Lot has to do with the plant itself but in "GENERAL" a lot of inorganic matter and good drainage is the goal. It does not apply to rock plantings the same etc... And I my case Seedlings and Saplings receive more organics.
Only mature specimens will get total inorganic.
If you ask 100 people you will probably get 85 different methods. We just use what is easy to obtain and works properly if mixed correctly.
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Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
Let me add that it depends on the stage of the tree development too.
Most of mine have lots of original soil still because they are in bigger dish tub. As they progress towards "proper" bonsai pot, I know my mix will change. I have yet to find the ideal mix for that matching my location/weather, pot size, watering style, and plants.
Recently, most of my plants are getting 50% turface + 50% chopped pine bark. Some get 5-10% chopped sphagnum moss (40-45% pine bark).
Most of mine have lots of original soil still because they are in bigger dish tub. As they progress towards "proper" bonsai pot, I know my mix will change. I have yet to find the ideal mix for that matching my location/weather, pot size, watering style, and plants.
Recently, most of my plants are getting 50% turface + 50% chopped pine bark. Some get 5-10% chopped sphagnum moss (40-45% pine bark).
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
I fully agree, and also depends on climate, where you keep the trees, fertilzer(s), and light. I have literally spent the last 3 years figuring it out for my needs and when I get larger stock I am positive there will be new "recipes" here
Poink88
Imperial Masterpiece
I try to simplify as much as possible (KISS principle) and if a mix works for all my trees that would be great/perfect! Alas, I know it is just a pipe dream but I still strive to use minimal different mix possible (and with least waste).
RichKid
Shohin
I haven't done many repots, almost all of my trees are in either the soil they were collected in or the nursery pots they came in. This spring I would like to repot them all into something a little better draining. The one tree I did repot was a Fukien Tea. I used almost all inorganic to experiment. In about a week all the leaves had wilted and those that didnt fall I shook off hoping it would sprout back faster. As of today still no leaves, but its still green under the bark. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed. I would hate to do the same thing to my maples and I figure within the next month or two I will be repotting and collecting more stuff so I would like to have my soil planned out and ready. I have lots of granite grit, turface, but not so much organic stuff. I'm hoping to find that soil conditioner lowes sells, but I'm wondering what I should be using for my organic compost. So this is what I'm asking.
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
Add some Michigan peat or use what i use for saplings. Serious I am not going to ever put younger stock into an inorganic mix until I have some epic specimens
Smoke
Ignore-Amus
interesting....never read this thread. The guy here in Fresno says he has had it here since 2011. I gotta pay more attention....
http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?5950-Growstones
http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?5950-Growstones
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
I find this a bit interesting http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccOGUj9b6dc. 
lordy
Omono
I googled GrowStone and looked up retailers. Found one less than a mile from my office. Went there at lunchtime today and BAM! Got a bag (sure seems bigger than 1 cu. foot...) for $18.
They do sell it in one-gallon bags, as well as the large particle stuff for landscaping (1-1/12" rocks).
They also had Happy Frog soil conditioner, sold in a bag about the size of a bale of peatmoss. It must have weighed 50 lbs or more, for $30ish. I passed on that for now. Seemed like it would mostly fall thru a 1/8" screen when sifting. It says soil conditioner, so in your lawn it probably works wonders. Bark, bat guano, humic acid, dont know what else.
Here's the place:
Hydrogrow
12130 Nebel St,
Rockville MD 20852
240-669-8937
They do sell it in one-gallon bags, as well as the large particle stuff for landscaping (1-1/12" rocks).
They also had Happy Frog soil conditioner, sold in a bag about the size of a bale of peatmoss. It must have weighed 50 lbs or more, for $30ish. I passed on that for now. Seemed like it would mostly fall thru a 1/8" screen when sifting. It says soil conditioner, so in your lawn it probably works wonders. Bark, bat guano, humic acid, dont know what else.
Here's the place:
Hydrogrow
12130 Nebel St,
Rockville MD 20852
240-669-8937
GrimLore
Bonsai Nut alumnus... we miss you
What temperature is it fired at? Need to ask because I have no use for something that will break down in a 5-10 year period. Sounds "picky" but conifers really do NOT like being changed out or get "handled' a lot here. I can have plastic soda tops ground and mix that with a rock compond if I need inorganic and get the same results...
Waldo Street Pottery
Chumono
Curiosity from this thread led me to a local Hydro store near my office today. They do not yet carry this product by he said they surely would be soon. So for asking he sent me away with 2 gallon size sample bags free of charge! I'll use this in some pots and turface in others with the rest of my normal mix and see how things work out this year.
Dav4
Drop Branch Murphy
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Smoke
Ignore-Amus
....Impressive......
lordy
Omono
The bag doesnt say what temp it is fired at. It says it wont compact. Did you read this?
from Smoke
"I see this as a good alternative to lava or pumice...This is pumice. Made in exactly the same way only in a factory and not in a volcano. Just the foam on molten glass."
How hot does glass powder need to be to melt and turn to foam? Do you think it will really negatively impact your pines?
Have you actually timed pumice? How long does it last? Hard to believe you have that documented. And mixing >>>> with rock compound? Really? Why dont you just buy a new tree?
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jkd2572
Masterpiece
I got my big bag today. I really like the dark color and it does not float. I will try it this spring on my bald cypress who like to be wet.
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