If Kanuma supply dries up...what will you use for azalea?

[Poink88]

If for some reason, we can no longer get Kanuma...what is the next best thing to use for azalea (in general not just satsuki)?

I asked the same question on another thread but later realized it warrants its own thread.

I'd specially appreciate response from experienced azalea growers.

Thank you.

 

[GrimLore]

In 3 different areas in New York I have quite simply used the Miracle grow mix for a LOT of years with good results. They actually even did better at Mother's house where they had very little attention. I do understand some varieties of the plant "need" some tweaking but I have always found that to be attainable with chemical treatment... "If" I ever decide to grow them in pots I will use that and add inorganic matter. I know you understand KISS The only reason I would experiment and implement an inorganic inclusion in "pots" is because I am destined to water all by use of electronics. The less "zones" I create the easier the process.

 

[Martin Sweeney]

Poink88,

I currently use 50% my deciduous bonsai mix / 50% Kanuma.

My regular bonsai mix is 1/4 turface, 1/4 pumice, 1/4 lava and 1/4 pine bark (I make a bark-less mix for plants needing less moisture).

If I cannot get kanuma, I would probably try the deciduous mix by itself. If that doesn't work well, I would probably try some perlite. I hope I do not need to try to figure it out.

Regards,
Martin

 

[buddhamonk]

Search is your friend...started this thread two weeks ago

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?10073-Substitute-for-kanuma&highlight=kanuma

 

[GrimLore]

Search is your friend...started this thread two weeks ago

http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?10073-Substitute-for-kanuma&highlight=kanuma

My Wife and I have a total different approach - honest we get similar results. I will always share what work for her or me

 

[drew33998]

I have planted a few of mine in the oil spill stuff you can buy from auto parts stores with some pine bark added. So far they seem to be doing well.

 

[Stan Kengai]

For just growing out, I use turface, pumice, and pine bark 1:1:1. I would not recommend using lava for azaleas because the roots grow so densely that you can't get the lava out, and it will ruin your scissors when root pruning. In a pot, I use turface, coarse sand, and pine bark at about 3:2:1.

 

[bruce m]

i have been growing satsuki's for 25 years in amix of sifted pumice and pine bark 3parts bark to 2 parts pumice.i also throw in some sulfer to help keep the ph down.

 

[Anthony]

Dario,

for what it is worth, a friend has been growing Azaleas sourced from Louisiana from since 1983 in a simple mix of peatmoss and perlite.
A few years ago he had to separate the mother in three plants as the 3 x 3 foot pot was too small.

He also lifts the shrub every 4 to 5 years, just cuts off half the root zone and adds fresh mix.
Good Day.
Anthony

 

[Stan Kengai]

For just growing out, I use turface, pumice, and pine bark 1:1:1. I would not recommend using lava for azaleas because the roots grow so densely that you can't get the lava out, and it will ruin your scissors when root pruning. In a pot, I use turface, coarse sand, and pine bark at about 3:2:1.

Sorry, I was in a hurry and forgot to specify. My azaleas are small, 12" max. In my pot mix, the reason I switch from pumice to sand is not just for looks, but because I also change to a smaller particle size. The sand keeps water from adhering too much to the smaller turface particles. Grow mix particles are about 5/32", pot mix 3/32".