AusBonsai

Has anyone thought of using kitty litter in place of akadama or at least one of the components that retain water?


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nozila wrote: ↑June 7th, 2020, 11:07 am Has anyone thought of using kitty litter in place of akadama or at least one of the components that retain water?

Yep. I routinely use the orange bag from the green W supermarket. Says 100% zeolite on the bag. It doesn’t break down, is dirt cheap and I’m not noticing any ill effects from using it.

Nice yeah I’ve used it in my planted aquariums and thought it would work with bonsais.


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Has anyone ever tried 100% orchid mix?

Those who use orchid mix/potting mix and diatomite, do you reuse the diatomite and if so how do you separate it from the orchid mix/potting mix?

I use two parts inorganic (pumice / zeoilite) and 1 part orchiata pine bark.

I have been using 100% pumice for collected olives with positive results.

I also know people in SA who use 100% orchiata bark for ficus

one_bonsai wrote: ↑June 13th, 2020, 12:52 pm Those who use orchid mix/potting mix and diatomite, do you reuse the diatomite and if so how do you separate it from the orchid mix/potting mix?

There are a few threads here on reusing/recycling potting mix - try the search for "reuse" or "recycle". I do recycle but I don't try and separate the components, I just sieve to get rid of the fines and regrade the particles. Fortunately the Aussie sun is nice and strong here in Adelaide over summer, so moist mix in black plastic bags goes out in the baking sun for a few weeks to solarise before use.