more soil questions

KZitzewitz

Now that we have helped me decide that my soil compounds will be orchid bark, turface and pumice I have more questions
There are basic groups, most plants fall into, some requeire lime free soil, some requere more organic material and some requeire less, I want to know what should be added, taken away or if these combonations sound right for the different types. components bark:turface:pumice
Azelea group: 2:1:2 with some acid loving fertilizer (maybe i have them backwards, and they need non acid loving fertilizer, please also correct me on this), I do not have access to that kanaura stuff or whatever its called.
Hardy conifers: 1:2:2 or maybe 1:2:3
deciduos broadleaf: 2:2:1 or 1:2:1
hardy broadleaf: 2:1:1
subtropical and tropical 1:2:1
what do you all think? anything else that looks like it should be changed around or ones that you feel you have all had better success with?

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--Kristopher

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KZitzewitz

a simple yes or no would have sufficed, anyway once i get my soil components i am going to try different variations, so no reply needed anway.

__________________
--Kristopher

TreeBay

Sorry I missed this thread first time thru.

"Yes or no!"

I think you could succeed with any of these mixtures if you are capable and willing to adapt your watering practice. You'll soon discover that.. this tree stays too wet and that one is too dry and make the necessary adjustments. I think you may need to add some heavier component to the mix just to give it some more body, but maybe you will discover differently.

I personally have stopped using white pumice altogether and replaced it with a red or brown lava of about the same size, but it's hard to come by in some areas. I found the pumice a bit light and the color isn't to my liking.

Interestingly: the akadama I purchased recently describes itself as "pumice" on the package in the English portion of the label. They're all volcanic products (akadama, kanuma, hyuga, etc.) so I guess it's important to clarify what you mean when you say "pumice" to somebody.

Regards,

Matt

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