After repotting a number of different species this spring, I have found
one constant; cactus mix does not work. I mention this because most of
the local club "experts" recommend it and use it in one form or another.
Some mix in some grit, some use it by itself. After buying trees from
three different people who use it, I have found the same problem with
all of their trees; the roots are few and unhealthy looking, i.e. they
are thin, weak and dark, falling off easily during repotting. Cactus
mix is mostly fines, up to 90%. It causes the water to sit for a length
of time on top of the soil until it slowly passes through. I have tried
different combinations of it with coarser components and it still tries
to keep water from penetrating the mix. Which brings me to a second
finding. We are not only developing a trunk but also a thick, dense
rootpad, of which I have only seen developed in a coarse mix. A mix
with particle size of 1/8 to 1/4. These findings have been consistent
through the different species, even accents and grasses. We always hear
about developing trunks, but not much on developing rootpads. After
killing numerous trees in my first year I see that the roots are the key
to a healthy, vigorous, developing tree. In other words, no more cactus
mix in my pots.
Brian Sunset Zone 12 Tucson, AZ

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