Covering pots with inorganic soil mixes

[matty-j]

Hey everyone!

I assume I am not the only one here who suffers from diatomite, pumice or zeolite being washed off the surface of a pot over time.
All my bonsai are on stands on a decking which is driving me crazy with diatomite getting stuck in the joints!
Does anyone here cover the surface of the pot with something, e.g. shade cloth? the water would penetrate and allow ventilation but retain the soil mix? also would the cloth result in moisture retention?

Cheers
Matt

[NAHamilton]

Hi Matt,

You can buy a bag of decorative pebbles for Bonsai from Bunnings for about $10 and a small layer over the top works well. I've been doing it for the past few months just a single layer.

Cheers Nigel

[kcpoole]

Nope never had a problem with that here.
I either use sprayers or water GENTLY with a fine spout on the watering can

Ken

[Josh]

Same as ken, I use a spray wand with fine spray. Personally don't like the pebbles on top look. Looks to much like bunnings trees.

Josh.

[Andrew F]

After a while its a matter of natural selection, most of the loose stuff should have fallen off only leaving the strongest and smartest of diatomite.

Seriously, Are you spraying your trees on an angle with full pressure?

[kcpoole]

The other thing I just thought of, I always leave my substrate below the pot rim a little bit.
Allows the top layer to slide down a little and settle.
Also makes a little dam for the water to pool in and soak rather than running off.

Ken

[Mount Nasura]

agreed, if the medium is sloping up towards the trunk line like a mound it is likely to wash down hill and over the pot edge until its level. Its a perfect example of erosion in miniature with a small tree to scale for added realism!

[Waltron]

After a while its a matter of natural selection, most of the loose stuff should have fallen off only leaving the strongest and smartest of diatomite.

Or, as is often the case under the pressures of natural selection: the fortunate.

[Boics]

I find that along with the aforementioned advise that an outer ring of moss helps.