bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - My story and a few questions as well!

G'day Coolcat...

Please be aware that the following reflects my opinions...based on my experience...

Re: a few of your questions that haven't been addressed...yet...I think...

"...I plan on getting a 'kitty litter'...". No! No!...a thousand time no! Not in the US of A! Maybe in Europe, but not here. Litter turns to mush.

"...Diatomaceous Earth...". There are better bonsai soil mix ingredients available.

"...100% inorganic...". 100% inorganic is great. Being used more and more.

And..."...fertilizer w/ the water and/or pellets...". Either will work. The most important thing is to use a complete fertilizer...the usual NPK plus the 12 or so micro nutrients. I've been using Dyna-Gro products for more than 10 years.

Did I mention OPINIONS?

On to SOIL...

Inorganic is my choice...I use Turface OR Profile OR OilDri mixed in equal parts with Pumice OR Lava. Maybe add 5% Orchid Mix (bark) for tropicals.

I hope, Coolcat, that this can be helpful. It's what works for me. Maybe it will work for you. Or not.

Always remember, Coolcat, bonsai is a trip that demands time and patience. Welcome aboard, and enjoy the journey.

Did I remember to mention OPINIONS?

Pat

__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

Pat Patterson...Bonsai in the Greater Bay Area, Northern California

9-May-2008	#10
PatArizona Bonsai Master, in my mind Join Date: Feb-2005 Location: Back Home in Northern California Country: USA Posts: 1,635	G'day Coolcat... Please be aware that the following reflects my opinions...based on my experience... Re: a few of your questions that haven't been addressed...yet...I think... "...I plan on getting a 'kitty litter'...". No! No!...a thousand time no! Not in the US of A! Maybe in Europe, but not here. Litter turns to mush. "...Diatomaceous Earth...". There are better bonsai soil mix ingredients available. "...100% inorganic...". 100% inorganic is great. Being used more and more. And..."...fertilizer w/ the water and/or pellets...". Either will work. The most important thing is to use a complete fertilizer...the usual NPK plus the 12 or so micro nutrients. I've been using Dyna-Gro products for more than 10 years. Did I mention OPINIONS? On to SOIL... Inorganic is my choice...I use Turface OR Profile OR OilDri mixed in equal parts with Pumice OR Lava. Maybe add 5% Orchid Mix (bark) for tropicals. I hope, Coolcat, that this can be helpful. It's what works for me. Maybe it will work for you. Or not. Always remember, Coolcat, bonsai is a trip that demands time and patience. Welcome aboard, and enjoy the journey. Did I remember to mention OPINIONS? Pat __________________ BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain. THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life. Pat Patterson...Bonsai in the Greater Bay Area, Northern California