Personally, I don't use it, but think it might be a good addition to some
mixes. Some folks use it straight for catts and the like.

In my book, it's a definite "no-no" for S/H culture, as the light color
really fosters algae growth to the point of blanketing the surface.

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

.. . . . . . . . . . .
"tbell" wrote in message
nd.net...
On Wed, 31 Mar 2004 2:38:48 -0800, Ray wrote
(in message ):

Tom,

The diatomite Joe DiDomenico sent me was very smooth, and the dust on
the
surface gave it almost a talc-like feel.

Remember that diatomite is crushed, calcined muds of fresh-water
diatoms,
not the washed shells of marine diatoms we see for filtration or
horticultural use.

That would explain it. Do you like it as part or all of a growing medium?

Tom
Walnut Creek, CA
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