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[IBC] Two Points
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 ************************************************** ****************************** ++++Sponsored, in part, by Ken Rutledge++++ ************************************************** ****************************** -- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ -- +++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++ |
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