Growing Medium Test - Zelcova Serrata

[kcpoole]

I am interested in alternative growing mediums, and have developed my own Mix of Diatomite and Zeolite as outlined here viewtopic.php?f=12&t=40
See also this thread for info on Akadama and Kanuma viewtopic.php?f=20&t=1833

In Order to get some hard facts as to whether it is useful or not, and the relative performance of the soils, I am conducting some long term tests with several different plant species, and soil types.
I will have 3 of each variety, and they will each be in different soil type and subjected the same Watering, Fertilising and general care / maintenance.
Over several years I should be able to identify trends and performance of each soil type.

The trees will all be photographed in the same order from left to right, sort of Alphabetically.
Akadama Mix ( or Kanuma for Azaleas), Diaomite / Zeolite Mix, and last Ray Nescis own Bonsai soil as a control.

I have purchased 3 of Ray Nesci starters trees and have potted them this weekend into 75 mm Orchid pots

This thread will be Zelcova Serrata

Please note I have not go the Akadama as yet, and when i do i will repot the one on the left, Currently it is in Rays mix

Ken

[kcpoole]

A link to each relevant thread so I can find them easily

Flowering Cherry thread - viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1877
Sargent Juniper thread - viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1878
Zelcova Serrata thread - viewtopic.php?f=12&t=1879

[kcpoole]

Update each tree has leafed out at the same time and looks like they are Growing well
Azalea tests viewtopic.php?f=12&t=2056

I will repot the left hand tree into Akadama Tomorrow

[Jamie]

this is a great idea kc, very interested in seeing the results, wont say much i dont want to clog up your thread with blabber

[techpetal]

Great work KC,

True Bonsai Scientist...should rename you Doc

Hurrah the delivery

Tech

[kcpoole]

After this weeks malfunction with watering, I have had my trees dry out to much
Interstingly they were suffering more in the order of
Akadama, Rays mix, Diatomite

Once watered, hopefully they will recover. Up till now they were doing real well and each was seeming to do as good as each other.

Ken

[kcpoole]

Another 2 months on, and the one in Akadam did not make it
The one in Diatomite is powering on, and the one in Rays has finally recovered
I decided to slip pot these today as they were becoming quite pot bound. In the summer ahead they will have a better chance in more soil. I did not touch the roots at all when doing
I have trimmed back some wild growth and put them in to see if they will strike as cuttings, so I can have some more test subjects
Ken

[LZRD84]

well that answers some questions. nice test. onya mate.

[sreeve]

Hi Ken
Well on the basis of a watering malfunction, that just proves that I am wrong about both Akadama and Kanuma

I need some more of both Akadama and Kanuma, anyone who bought the product that was organised through here and would like to sell it and treble their money I am more than happy to buy all that you have left.
I am happy to either pay the freight or alternatibely pick it up
Please PM me

Regards
Steve

[ozzy]

I'm not so sure that this experiment was carried out under the most stringent of scientific conditions, to have any credibility at all the test should have been conducted in zero gravity aboard the space shuttle.

[kcpoole]

I'm not so sure that this experiment was carried out under the most stringent of scientific conditions, to have any credibility at all the test should have been conducted in zero gravity aboard the space shuttle.

LOL
Sorry do not have a shuttle available , I will just have to make do with local tools and methods