AusBonsai

How were your experiences with this? What species have you tried 100% diatomite with? How were your results?

Yes I also would like to know what are all the tree species that people have used 100% diatomite with, " without looking up old threads/posts. I know you can use Figs, how about, Swampys, liquidambars, willows, elms, maples, cleos, celtis, azaleas, pines, junipers, natives.How about an elimination process, someone good at spreadsheets could do up something, if they had all the info, save doing constant threads/posts, if I was given the relative information, I am fairly good at spreadsheets, so I would do it, maybe a lot of things could be put together in a spreadsheet for all to make use of as reference points, the world is at our feet
Serious what about we organize a special group to gather info, should I start another thread/post so as not to interfere with this one ?? What are your thoughts ....this time of night zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.
James

James, you are welcom in my thread. And it's a good idea to collate information. Maybe we should also do some species information as well like potting and wiring time and recommended soild type and watering and fertilizing regimes. Some bonsai books do this but not specific for Australia's climate and common species.
Regards,
DK

kvan64 wrote:James, you are welcom in my thread. And it's a good idea to collate information. Maybe we should also do some species information as well like potting and wiring time and recommended soild type and watering and fertilizing regimes. Some bonsai books do this but not specific for Australia's climate and common species.
Regards,
DK

Yep mate ya hit the nail on the head, all the things you just suggested are great, especially with the wealth of info here on ausbonsai and especially also with the MODERN look at Bonsaing, all new ideas.
James

We could write a book on modern Bonsai techniques and make a fortune and share the profits through-out Ausbonsai
James

I usually use use 1/3 Zeolite, 2/3 Diatomite, but when I have had to repot, but had no Zeolite I have used 100% D.
Juniper would have been one and at least a maple or 2. Did not notice any difference with them.
The only reason I use Zeolite, is that it adds a bit more wieght into the mix, but weight that will be useful in holding moisture and nutrients, and I like the colour it gives to the mix.
if could not get zeolite, I would probably use 100% Diatomite without a second thought.

Not scientific at all sorry

Ken

i use diatomite at 100% and minimum 80% if i mix it, i have mixed with zeolite and/or other organics to great effect. i reckon mixing a little commercial bonsai mix or even some boiled bark gives the mix just that slight softer feel to it and also helps the colour of the mix instead of being a white or grey.

100% for figs, olive, clero, JBP, elm, juniper, liquid amber, nearly all my trees, others have 80% minimum like i said. i havent had my trees so healthy since turning to diatomite either

jamie

Jamie wrote: 100% for figs, olive, clero, JBP, elm, juniper, liquid amber, nearly all my trees, others have 80% minimum like i said. i havent had my trees so healthy since turning to diatomite either

jamie

Sounds like it works. What about water retention, do the trees require more frequent watering using 100% diatomite mix?

gday DK,

i have found when it is slightly cooler i dont have to water as much, on a warmer day and the tree is really taking it in sometimes 2 times a day, my clero was needing it 3 times a day at one stage so i added some of my finer zeolite to the mix and that fixed that up, the clero can be very thirsty though, on average i only water once a day with it though

jamie

G'day Jamie. Sounds like 100% diatomite has less water retention comparing to ordinary bonsai mix. I found that Tess's nursery sells Zeolite but a bit expensive - $19 for 10L bag. I have access to diatomite for $20 per 40L bag which is average. Do you know who else arround sells Zeolite? I always thought that Zeolite and Diatomite are the same thing.

definately not the same thing. zeolite and diatomite have two differing structures.

there is an ogoing debate abou zeolite and diatomite and water retentions, grant is testing it now though. diatomite will hold upto 100-150 percent of its own weight in water so retention isnt a problem, what happens is that the diatomite makes the water more readily available to the tree and it can be taken up better, thats my experience anyways.

i swear by the stuff, its brilliant!

jamie

I bought the stuff and will definitely try it. You definitely have some living proofs there jamie. I know that your broom celtis is in a basket full of 100% diatomite and blooming. The next time I repot my trees, they will be in diatomite

Some of us have used it here with varying degrees. Firstly let me say there is nothing better for a plant to recover in after severe root work or collection.
The issue for us down here is it dry's out too fast in summer, so i dont reccomend it for growing on. i have used on pines and banksia's no prob.

Howdy all, just wondering if anybody knows where I can buy some diatomite? I live on the central coast of NSW, near Gosford.

corko wrote:Howdy all, just wondering if anybody knows where I can buy some diatomite? I live on the central coast of NSW, near Gosford.

G'day corko, it would be worth trying your local Produce stores and of course Garden or Nursery Supplies.