G'day all...

Consider, when you read the following...I live on the edge of the Southern
Arizona High Desert...at 4550' elevation. Also, I don't do a lot of
collecting.

Since I can't get a pick more than 2" into the soil (unless it's rained for 4
days), and if I do dig a hole 18" deep and fill it with water, it takes 5-7
hours to drain, I do not grow out any trees in the ground. And, no Virginia,
at my age, I'm not going to build a raised growing bed.

However, when I do (rarely) collect, I pot up the small (less than 2" trunk)
subjects in oversized planters and use pure perlite. I've had a few of these
produce in ONE year, more roots than I could use.

You do have to watch perlite closely since it tends to hold on to too much
water.

On subjects with trunks over 2" I generally use pure pumice...with good
results.

Cactus mix has also worked for me for a first soil mix for collected subjects.

It (perlite, pumice, cactus mix) works for me!

My regular potting mix is equal parts of pumice, lava and OilDri (or other
fired clay) with 5%, plus or minus (depending on species), cactus mix.

We just finished what the forecasters are calling the last winter storm...rain,
hail and snow (at 4550'). Looking for temps in the mid 70s to low 80s next
week, here in Oracle.

Has the real spring really arrived?

Have a good day.

Pat

Dez of the Arizona High Dezert, at 4550', Oracle, AZ,
2000' above Tucson Sunset Zone 10 USDA Zone 8
aka: Pat Patterson 'riding off in all directions'