AusBonsai

Hey, anyone used Woolworths 100% Zeolight cat litter?
Recently heard it was very good.

Also Does anyone know where I can get madenwell diatomite. Plants love that stuff. Is it still closed down?

I’m actually excited to try this hope it proves to be a good component.

So cheap and accessible.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Im certainly interested if this is a suitable alternative to the stuff labelled specifically for horticultural use, as I have to buy it online and have it shipped (havent found a close retailer yet).

Very interested if anyone with more experience can chime in!

There have been a couple of threads on this - I use it and it seems fine, doesn't break down / go mushy. You do need to sift it as there are a lot of fines and varying particle sizes but it does the job, and the price is right!

For what its worth, I used this 80% + 20% pine bark to grow out tridents and japanese maples (I'm trying to grow them out in a clump style like in the Eisei-en video so the trunks fuse) in a square pond basket. In both cases the roots started poking out of the baskets within months. At least for these two species, this proportion seems to work in my experience.

I've been using this as part of my inorganics for the last couple of years for most species. Haven't noticed any ill effects yet.

Some produce stores have Kleensorb, the Diatomite that I use for my mix. It's not as reliable as it used to be, but still gives me good results, plus I get 35 litres for $27, as opposed to 1 litre of cat litter for $7.05. If your local product store doesn't have it, you can ask them to stock it.

melbrackstone wrote: ↑January 29th, 2021, 2:05 pm Some produce stores have Kleensorb, the Diatomite that I use for my mix. It's not as reliable as it used to be, but still gives me good results, plus I get 35 litres for $27, as opposed to 1 litre of cat litter for $7.05. If your local product store doesn't have it, you can ask them to stock it.

My normal supplier used to stock this and I have also been happy with it. Not sure I like the substitute they currently have so will need to hunt around for it again

That looks a lot to me like diatomite and nothing like the Zeolight I’m used to from ray nessies. I’m using it 100% with a couple of layers of spagnum moss near the top.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I tried and failed to find diatomite in WA. Blackwoods stocks it but not in any local stores i checked, and wouldn't have a small quantity shipped over for me. Sold as a spill absorbent i believe.
I switched to pumice from a hydroponics store, and have had pretty good success. $40 for a large bag, and i intend to reuse it.
I heard with zeolite be careful with how it holds and releases nitrogen - not sure whether this means use it diluted or only on hardy species...

melbrackstone wrote: ↑January 29th, 2021, 2:05 pm Some produce stores have Kleensorb, the Diatomite that I use for my mix. It's not as reliable as it used to be, but still gives me good results, plus I get 35 litres for $27, as opposed to 1 litre of cat litter for $7.05. If your local product store doesn't have it, you can ask them to stock it.

kleensorb.jpg

I am finishing off the Kleensorb diatomite I bought and I'm looking for a replacement. This looks good. I bought some today to test. It is harder than the diatomite to crush and I put some in water to soak. I'll check it every now and again.
It cost $7.05 for 15L. That's 60L for $28-20. Cheaper than Kleensorb by my maths if it is any good and stays available.

Paulneill wrote: ↑January 29th, 2021, 3:26 pm

That looks a lot to me like diatomite and nothing like the Zeolight I’m used to from ray nessies. I’m using it 100% with a couple of layers of spagnum moss near the top.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I agree it doesn't look like the Zeolite I have tried. More like diatomite or the attapulgite Woollies used to market.

I had tested it a bit today. Lots of sandy fines got washed to the bottom of the pot and clogged the drainage. Also just 3 hrs later and it’s already drying out.

Looks like it holds its structure well. I will be using it in my mix’s but only at 30% gona mix it with fine akadama orchid pine bark, spagnum. And pumice.

It cost $7.05 for 15L. That's 60L for $28-20. Cheaper than Kleensorb by my maths if it is any good and stays available.

oops

Stu wrote: ↑January 29th, 2021, 5:56 pm

Paulneill wrote: ↑January 29th, 2021, 3:26 pm That looks a lot to me like diatomite and nothing like the Zeolight I’m used to from ray nessies. I’m using it 100% with a couple of layers of spagnum moss near the top.

I agree it doesn't look like the Zeolite I have tried. More like diatomite or the attapulgite Woollies used to market.

Zeolites can have different compositions, which makes each look different. Be interesting to see what happens to your tree in 100% zeolite. Please keep us informed.