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I live in Zone 9-10 like you.

Growing JWP is very difficult here. Mainly because of the heat and lack of cold winter, they are not as vigorous as in colder climates. Lack of vigour causes them to take water very slowly, so there is a tendency for root-rot. On the other hand, you don't want them to dry out in that heat.

So, the advice from Fish is a good one, akadama should work. But make sure you use the hard - fired one (decomposes slower), medium size, and sift the dust out before planting. Top-dressing with green sphagnum is a good idea, but I wouldn' mix it inside the akadama. Also, they should be in larger then usual pot, which provides a more stable moisture.

Proper watering and shade-cloth (filtered sunlight) is key to success.

(I grow 3 JWP myself, and use 80% pumice, 20% bark and coarse peat-moss, but I imagine that akadama is just as good)

Attila

12-May-2005	#4
Attila Attila Soos Join Date: Jan-2002 Location: Los Angeles, California Country: USA Posts: 2,003	I live in Zone 9-10 like you. Growing JWP is very difficult here. Mainly because of the heat and lack of cold winter, they are not as vigorous as in colder climates. Lack of vigour causes them to take water very slowly, so there is a tendency for root-rot. On the other hand, you don't want them to dry out in that heat. So, the advice from Fish is a good one, akadama should work. But make sure you use the hard - fired one (decomposes slower), medium size, and sift the dust out before planting. Top-dressing with green sphagnum is a good idea, but I wouldn' mix it inside the akadama. Also, they should be in larger then usual pot, which provides a more stable moisture. Proper watering and shade-cloth (filtered sunlight) is key to success. (I grow 3 JWP myself, and use 80% pumice, 20% bark and coarse peat-moss, but I imagine that akadama is just as good) Attila