Reddit's favorite alternatives to Mother Earth Coco + Perlite Mix - For Indoor and Outdoor Container Gardens, 70% Coconut Coir, Resists Compaction, 50 L

Next time need to get a free draining soil going.

Perlite is a must. I also use this and this.

Different plants have different needs, best to do research before purchasing and planting.

OP here.

I added some water-storing crystals to this Northshore Supreme. AMAZING.

I posted a lil while back a tutorial I found on Tumblr on how to make diapers more absorbent and bulky. I got a couple comments about how it might irritate skin, so I didn't try it.

I saw another poster here on Reddit have a bag of the crystals with his stash and I inquired about it. He said that he had good luck with adding crystals.

So I cut a tiny hole (like less than one centimeter) on the inside back, just above the padding. I used a funnel to pour the crystals into the spot between the liner and plastic. I didn't really know how much to put in, maybe half cup? Then folded it taco-style and tried to distribute throughout, but due to the expansion that part doesn't really matter.

Anyway, it was AMAZING. A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!

I wore it for ~14-15 hours, didn't experience any issues with skin irritation or other problems.

HOWEVER, I did experience the best feeling I've probably had. It was SO bulky, SO squishy, SO heavy.

I ordered 5 more packages of the crystals to mod my diapers now.

YOU WOULD LOVE IT

Miracle-Gro Water Storing Crystals, 12-Ounce Miracle-Gro

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0042YYVYG/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_6LvzFb65GNNJW

I’m not OP, but I like this type of soil because it’s essentially impossible to overwater if used with a planter that has drain hole: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072HKXT2S/

Honestly though, any soil works, just have to be careful to not overwater 😊

Coco-coir comes as bricks and looks exactly like what was in the video.

Target

Amazon

11 lb for a little over $2 a pound

Edit: although I realize it might not be economical for a lot of people, a reciprocating saw will definitely be your best friend.

I generally make my own soil by blending a few different ones. This is what I have been using for my water sensitive plants at 1/4 to 1/3 ratio with my miracle grow potting mix:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072HKXT2S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Pretty much any other coarse cactus/succulent mix works well for improving drainage though. I try to avoid the sand/fine mixes though as they don't seem to help as much.

I get the this small bale for $25 on amazon. It's decent moss with a few twigs and roots in there, and it comes bone dry and compressed, but it is a SHIT ton for a great price. I go through a lot of it. I hope it doesn't mysteriously go out of stock now that I've recommended it online LOL

No fertilizer. I give mine a very light dose a few times a year but they eat insects because they grow in climates with poor soil.

Depends on where you live. In Boston tap water was fine, in Houston tap water kills them. It's the softness of the water that matters. Distilled is always a safe bet.

I repot every plant I bring home. What to pot it in depends on how dry your house is and the amount of light. These plants want to stay damp ( not soaking )

Soil is fine if you can find it with out pre-added fertilizer. Peat moss is better, sphagnum moss is better still. The import part is that is has no fertilizer pre-added. I've been buying supplies off Amazon because I can't find them locally.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BR1B1H2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005ZTBZIM

Here's the Amazon link:

Plantonix Coco Coir Brick, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (5 Bricks) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1YP8O6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_D2ZJJGYDDKEKTR6S0S8Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Wtf is wrong these places that put plants in stuff like that. If you hadn’t already I would switch the soil to a cactus soil mix with a mix of jacks soil. jack soil, best soil on the planet

This is what I use with all my succulents and cactus and it’s amazing

5 bricks $29

I've always had several tubs to make, so the bricks of coir made sense to me. You can also re dehydrate the coir and it will be loose for your next grow, but it does take a few hours. I've also just needed it to re case a couple tubs and stuck one end in some water to take what I needed and the heat from by the window dried it back out in a day.

Each brick is about 16qts worth of coir.

Most gardening centers will carry coconut coir bricks at the very least online. I buy mine in 6 brick boxes from amazon for cheap (one brick of that provides me ~3 gallons of potting medium, I think).

You don't really need to change into a new pot unless it's taking more than a couple of weeks for the top 2 inches of soil to dry out. Hostas like it more moist that most, but still like to dry out some between watering. Keep an eye on the moisture of the potting medium for a couple of weeks before you make that decision.

Next time get their coco in a brick. It’s much cheaper and is easy to store until you need it.

Mother Earth Coco Bale 5 kg, 100% Coconut Coir Fibers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M69KV51/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_dlC_kKgbGb7Z6Y693?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

10 pounds my bad.

Coco Bliss Premium Coconut Coir Pith 10 lbs brick/block, OMRI listed for Organic Use (Coco Brick 10 lb) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W9F7XDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_5S5.Fb95ZBPB9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That’s why I did it I was so done with mixing nutes and checking ppm and ph. Right now I’m using, super soil autoflower concentrate and fox soil ocean forest and rain water. I have a thing were I collect rain water, keeping it with an aquarium air pump and bubble stones (to keep it from becoming stagnant and that’s it. I sent you a link on the living soil concentrate I bought.

Super Soil Autoflower Concentrate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TRYL6K7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_RteGAkX4jCaqn

I've used the Precipitube for many years; I've tried other humidification systems but haven't found anything else that works better (aside from humidifying your room or house) - I only use a little bleach if the crystals are visibly turning black, and I don't put the tube back into my case without wiping it and making sure it's dry.

The crystals hold moisture well enough that I've never had issues with the tube dripping, and I use mine in a relatively expensive case (an Accord); I have a friend who uses a Precipitube in a Gewa Idea (which has the same interior as the Air) without any problems. I have other friends who use them in their Riboni, Musafia, Negri, and other premium cases, and standard cases like Bobelocks and Bams - nobody has ever had any issues.

If the crystals seem too far gone to fix with bleach, I replace them - these seem to be the same as what they use, and $9 gets you enough for a lifetime, even if you share with friends.

https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-Water-Storing-Crystals-12-Ounce/dp/B0042YYVYG/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=water+crystals+for+plants&qid=1598221419&sprefix=water+crystals+&sr=8-4

I cannot recommend these trays enough. Buy at least a 10 pack and you can get them for $2 or less each. If you buy a ton you can get the price down to less than $1/tray. The prices for trays are incredibly high on amazon or from other vendors and it's hard to tell what's cheap and fragile. These trays are strong and cheap, and they aerate/drain well.

Amazon is a good source of coir. I recommend this over soil, especially if it's growing indoors. The mesh trays I recommend make Coir a dream because it will drain until it's at perfect field capacity.

Trueleaf market, and kitwanza seeds are good sources of seed.

https://www.amazon.com/Coco-Bliss-Premium-Coconut-10/dp/B06W9F7XDY?ref_=ast_sto_dp

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Coco Bliss Premium Coconut Coir Pith 10 lbs Brick/Block, OMRI Listed for Organic Use

I have an echeveria that I overwatered, so I repotted it in this soil (https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Jack-Succulent-Cactus-Soil/dp/B0194E9RW4/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=O9nZn&content-id=amzn1.sym.8cf3b8ef-6a74-45dc-9f0d-6409eb523603&pf_rd_p=8cf3b8ef-6a74-45dc-9f0d-6409eb523603&pf_rd_r=GV95QHVMSPWGK9EJDY2Y&pd_rd_wg=Y4BBQ&pd_rd_r=4a5456d1-e414-4fd8-8149-db0379930189&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mi), because I did not want to fear overwatering it again, but now I am trying to water it and not sure how to get it to actually absorb water. The bottom couple leaves have gotten wrinkly and less firm, so I am fairly confident it needs water. I tried bottom watering it, and letting it soak for 10 minutes, but that was two days ago and the bottom leaves still look thirsty. I obviously don't want to overwater, and I know underwatering takes a while to start actually hurting a succulent, but I'm just trying to figure out how to do all this.

I found the same brand but a better deal 2.5 more pounds of course for like the same price

https://www.amazon.com/Coco-Bliss-Premium-Coconut-10/dp/B06W9F7XDY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=2WHHULZFWGA6T&keywords=coco+coir+brick&qid=1662250885&sprefix=coco+coir+brick%2Caps%2C399&sr=8-4

I use these. if you get them from Amazon I choose the get it used option. It's just delivered with some defects to the packaging, and I save about 5 or so dollars.

The mix for my indoor succulents is a 1:1 mix of Bonsai Jack Gritty mix and plain miracle gro. With how mild your climate is, I would probably start out with similar. I think you also should have no issue transitioning that etiolated pot to outdoor living as long as you take it slow and try to read up on it beforehand.

Yes. I've used these exact ones twice. I use two bags of UB per container. in regards to Coco I use 1 brick per 3 or 4 tubs.

coco

I do about an inch and a half to 2 inches of coco, then break up the UB bags, then mix in probably about an inch more- mix it up again and then put a small top layer on whatever is left.

I'm no master mycologist, I am only a few grows in.

10 lbs cococoir

Is this too rocky?

I linked the nutrient mix I plan on using it with ocean forest and perlite. Heres the link to the nutrient https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Living-Soil-Autoflower-Concentrate/dp/B07TRYL6K7?ref_=ast_sto_dp

Honestly with the smell is 50 plants going to travel more than 200ft? If not I have literally nothing to worry about. I'm sure there'll be a windy day during flower where people down the valley catch a wiff, but it's not going to permanent so I'm not worried.

Thanks for the info! When I got it, it was pretty much all vivid green and I just noticed these changes fairly quickly. So it concerned me a bit. Could the trimming be a reason for it too? I do have a moisture meter. When I use the moisture meter, is it best to check multiple areas of the pot? And how deep do I stick the meter in? It has a scale of 1-10. When should I water it? Once it hits like 3?

​

So I shouldn't change the soil in a few days? Wait until next spring? Also, would this soil work? Or something different? https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Tree-Soil-Purpose-Blend/dp/B007GS9ZGO/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=38YF1L3YLC3ZG&keywords=bonsai%2Bsoil&qid=1652812091&sprefix=bonsai%2Bsoil%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1-spons&smid=A2OJYNAZ7V7PWL&spLa=ZW5jcnlw...

Thanks! Sorry for the post in the wrong area.

So keep it in the sun for about 6 hours a day like I have been? How often should I water? And I should not redo the soil? Someone told me to do that.

Would this soil be good? https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Tree-Soil-Purpose-Blend/dp/B007GS9ZGO/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=38YF1L3YLC3ZG&keywords=bonsai%2Bsoil&qid=1652812091&sprefix=bonsai%2Bsoil%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1-spons&smid=A2OJYNAZ7V7PWL&spLa=ZW5jcnlw...

I use this soil and have really liked it. I also use their premium blend as well on my more mature bonsai. tiny roots bonsai soil

I checked but I don't think they sell that brand here in Canada. I found a cheaper option for $5 more than what you paid which is a decent price considering how much more stuff costs here compared to over there. Do you think this would work? https://www.amazon.ca/Mother-Earth-Coco-Bale-5kg/dp/B01M69KV51/

If so, would I need to wash it before using it?

I buy this right here. Have never pressure cooked. Just use bods bucket tek and have yet to have any issues

Plantonix Coco Coir Brick, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (5 Bricks) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1YP8O6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S4F86WMS7YY7AXAQ3ZNK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you, on all points.

I believe it's actually been potted in a bonsai soil mix. Is that going to present issues? I'll link the soil I think is being used last, the URL is huge.

Is there a large risk in separating these trees into a clump? Right now the root ball is rubber banded together riiight at the base of the trunks. Presumably to keep these together for braiding.

I'd really enjoy a braided look if it were done better but it only being semi-braided and with one of the original 5 having been already dead I'm really interested in keeping the singular tree more than anything else currently.

True bonsai or not, I think it's a lovely shape and has some potential as an interesting plant. I'd enjoy applying bonsai practices to it if for no other reason than practice and to learn.

I'm very scared of a true bonsai and my climate causing me many deaths due to lack of knowledge. USDA 6 I believe, Wisconsin.

Link to what I think is used: https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Tree-Soil-Purpose-Blend/dp/B007GS9ZGO/ref=sxts_rp_s1_0?crid=1TDBXNN4O0E9A&cv_ct_cx=bonsai+soil&keywords=bonsai+soil&pd_rd_i=B007GS9ZGO&pd_rd_r=e616abb9-813e-4bfc-8ca4-4dd064c1ce23&pd_rd_w=nOLTd&amp...

I use bush doctor coco loco with supersoil mix I get off Amazon... Super Soil Autoflower Concentrate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TRYL6K7/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_PHVV4SD5KE0HP6029QBH Auto flowers you need to plant in the pot you plan to end up in....no transplanting autos is best! Top 3rd node and lst away is my advice and use the super soil!! Happy growing

This may help you. It seems well reviewed.

You have to strike a delicate balance between keeping these guys properly watered, but not over-watering.

A very fast draining soil such as this https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Jack-Succulent-Cactus-Soil/dp/B0194E9RW4, is preferable for all peperomia. I add some perlite to the linked mix as well. Regular potting soul or commercial cactus soil retains too much water for peperomia.

Yo man. Buy Coco Bliss off Amazon. Great value and works like a charm for your growing. Even if you Google Coco coir four shrooms, it's the first one listed.

https://www.amazon.com/Coco-Bliss-Premium-Coconut-10/dp/B06W9F7XDY/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=1Y03NDD9ZY40X&keywords=coco+coir+brick&qid=1646930830&sprefix=coco+coir%2Caps%2C241&sr=8-4

Your money goes a long way with this stuff. Retains moisture perfectly for your shrooms, keeping your grow at ideal levels of humidity. Can't go wrong. Do some research and you will see. And I believe it's so much better deal than the cocoa that's for reptiles or whatever.

Does it look like this? If so then yes it’s good.

Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil - Jacks Gritty Mix #111 - 2 Quarts – Fast Draining – Fight Root Rot – Optimized pH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0194E9RW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_2H6WJ281DDQ1CW3A3PH7

I winged it and got these bricks on Amazon Plantonix Coco Coir Brick, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (5 Bricks)

It's probably not the best quality, but I rinsed and buffered it and mixed to ~70/30 with perlite, and it's been fine.

Coco Coir Brick

I use that exclusively. Follow this recipe and you win every single time.

coir recipe

This is what I have been buying lately. It has doubled in price since I last bought it in the summer but it’s good quality. $45 for 2.1 lbs

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Moss-59834-22330-B00BR1B1H2/dp/B00BR1B1H2/

The white pot "looks like" a self-watering pot. Through that thing in the trash. (Not the plant - the pot!) The other little pot, I'm betting, has no drainage.

Find two small terracotta pots (not plastic or ceramic), get some fast draining, good quality cactus and succulent soil and re-pot them.

Stay away from any of the popular brands except for Sun Gro Black Gold - it is the best of the "popular brands."

This is what I got, and is suggested in the guide:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1YP8O6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Why can't you use these?
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N1YP8O6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Coco Bliss Premium Coconut Coir Pith 10 lbs Brick/Block, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (Coco Brick 10 lb) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W9F7XDY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_KXH1P33VAGPFZ2X8BEV3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1YP8O6/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B01N1YP8O6&pd_rd_w=ADq7m&pf_rd_p=54ed5474-54a8-4c7f-a88a-45f748d18166&pd_rd_wg=Fw7Xq&pf_rd_r=7J28PR2MGN7X5Z0R77M2&pd_rd_r=2eff4db9-fda3-4b2f-b366-9b85c...

This has been a pretty common brand of coir for spawning to bulk. Make sure you either pasteurize the coir or rehydrate it with boiling water and leave it in a sealed container overnight. r/unclebens has a pinned post that gives great instructions also.

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Moss-59834-22330-B00BR1B1H2/dp/B00BR1B1H2/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=2L1SETG7NO6Z1&keywords=spagnumoss+bulk+for+plants&qid=1642386620&sprefix=spagn%2Caps%2C359&sr=8-3

I use these bricks. Each one makes about 9qt of substrate, enough for 3 15qt shoeboxes.

Plantonix Coco Coir Brick, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (5 Bricks) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1YP8O6/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_08FBRBMVN1BRD2B9NZ76?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I've used this with no issues. I just got it wet and went to work.

Coco Bliss Premium Coconut Coir Pith 10 lbs Brick/Block, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (Coco Brick 10 lb) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06W9F7XDY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_4KB1EVVBWBNK4Y6DYA5F

You can grow it in sphagnum. I have a few in sphagnum. The link below is to the bale that I buy. It’ll last forever

SuperMoss (22330) Orchid Sphagnum Moss Dried, Natural, 2.1lbs Small Bale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BR1B1H2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_XJ7EKQSCASGF6DBF69RM?psc=1

I am seeing the edges of the leaves starting to curl upwards, and this morning I noticed faint yellow spots on some leaves. Plants are 11 days old. No fertilizer yet.

Just tested the runoff and pH is about 6.6. I am using foxfarm's ocean forest soil. Found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXOI3U0?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The light was about 14 inches above the soil, and I have been watering every 2 to 3 days. Only when the topsoil is dry. I moved the light a few inches up after seeing the spots this morning.

Can anyone please provide some insight? If there is any more information I can provide, please ask. Thanks for reading!

I buy super moss from Amazon. It has very little debris and is a really nice moss. The bale is much larger than it looks in the pic.

SuperMoss (22330) Orchid Sphagnum Moss Dried, Natural, 2.1lbs Small Bale https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BR1B1H2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_21T0B4G29VVXVFEQ7R05?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I think its mostly this one Succulent & Cactus Soil Mix - Premium Pre-Mixed Fast Draining Blend (2.5 Dry Quarts) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072HKXT2S/ref=cm_sw_r_apanp_AzYWuNCadmJnr but it might have been mixed with some other kinds but thats my tried and true one. I also moved it into a slightly bigger pot than it was in originally

Looking at living soils today. I put natures living soil auto flower concentrate on an Amazon subscription today. Which one are you using?

Super Soil Autoflower Concentrate https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07TRYL6K7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FQMF7ZE5WR9P34YFH4P9

You can easily get started in bonsai for under $200!

If you are forced by circumstance to seek a year-round indoor bonsai, then get a ficus. Pick a variety at the nursery that appeals to you, their care needs are roughly the same.

You can certainly get a decent starter ficus for between $30-50 bucks at a nursery.

Say, $25 for a decent clay bonsai pot (if it didn’t already come in one)

$15 for a bag of pre-mixed bonsai soil

$20 for a set of wire

That’s about $100.

Here are some other unrelated links

[totally not camping tents ](www.mars-hydro.com/)

coconuts

vitamins and minerals

Provide your own pots, you can just use Tupperware for most of the process

If you're confused at literally any step of the process, just search it on DuckDuckGo #FuckGoogle. Some other retard has had the same question at some point and asked. If you somehow have an obscure enough of a problem that someone hasn't asked about it, you have become an expert and this comment doesn't apply to you.

Usually the case for me or its god awful expensive. I'm Canada this was the best one I could get. It's a bitch to break off of so I suggest a chisel and hammer

I like these for my microgreens. I rinse them in a tote before adding ocean solution. A little more labor intensive than buying bagged loose Coco like your craigslist guy, but super cheap and works very well. And none of the useless perlite in it. All perlite will do for microgreens is cause the medium to dry out faster.

Plant them in Bonsai Jack, gritty mix consists just rocks, like desserts. The water drains fast.

Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil - Jacks Gritty Mix #111 - 2 Quarts – Fast Draining – Fight Root Rot – Optimized pH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0194E9RW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GTMBQ6CEDRCE8AMBXM72?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We got these from Amazon if it helps. But PetSmart sells bricks of coir in the reptile section too

Plantonix Coco Coir Brick, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (5 Bricks) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1YP8O6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VXW14AF63J82MNKHR9TD

May I suggest...

Plantonix Coco Coir Brick, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (5 Bricks) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N1YP8O6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_1JVQSBB9V85WW4KQ8AB8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Organic, plus you get five smaller bricks to work with instead of one big one.

I bought this Cactus and Succulent mix for better drainage and repotted her into a terracotta pot. I give her lots of water once every month of so, and since it is heavily draining I make sure to soak her several times.

If you're having trouble with your pincushion peperomia, try humidity, heat, and better drainage. My peperomia had most of these issues and spider mites and it's a miracle she came out on top of everything.

Good luck friends! And thank you!

I use fox farms potting mix and i buy it from Amazon (great price). Here’s the link if interested Foxfarm FX14053 Ocean Forest Plant Garden PH Adjusted 12 Quarts Potting Soil Blend Mix for Containerized Plants, 11.9 Pound Bag (2 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXOI3U0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_AFJX3K1G6X0SSENHX3H7?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I use this dehydrated coco brick from amazon since there is no stores in my area that sell bags of coco. I also mixed in Espoma Organic Perlite at a ratio of 70:30 (coco:perlite).

https://www.amazon.com/Plantonix-Coco-listed-Organic-Bricks/dp/B01N1YP8O6/ref=sxts_rp_s1_0?crid=22FQFZ6NMKTVM&cv_ct_cx=coco+coir&dchild=1&keywords=coco+coir&pd_rd_i=B01N1YP8O6&pd_rd_r=6456230c-08a4-405d-87ca-48b8f2e04c33&pd...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BR1B1H2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 -- I got it from a shop on Amazon when I needed a bunch for my terrarium. I've kept it in an air-tight container (fucking gnats) and still have about half of it left after a ~9months. It's come back to life to an extent almost everywhere I've used it.

Thanks for hosting these threads every week u/small_trunks.

Is this mix too gritty or fast draining for jade bonsai? I know for sure they’ll grow in it, but is there a drawback?

Bonsai Jack Succulent and Cactus Soil - Jacks Gritty Mix #111 - 2 Quarts – Fast Draining – Fight Root Rot – Optimized pH https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0194E9RW4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_W6WJ1E9D8YN4KGM9E63T

I had good luck with Bricked coco I got from Amazon after buffering them twice. I recently got a bag of mother earth pre-buffered coco as I didn't want to spend time on buffering coco. I am not sure what it is but all seedlings show burnt signs early on with new coco. This goes away as plants grow but didn't have to deal with this issue with cheap brick coco. I have tried buffering mother earth coco before planting but that doesnt seem to help much either. I am not sure what really is but if i cannot figure it out something soon, i may have to go back to bricked coco.

Plantonix Amazon Link

Ever try mixing this into the subsstrate to retain moisture. Miracle-grow water storing Crystals https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042YYVYG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_VKWAH4RSKWP5EZ66ZFMD?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

1. I prefer coco choir and orchid bark mix. It holds moisture well, and there's no risk of impaction. I know a lot of people on here prefer a top soil, sand, gravel mix, which is also pretty good and holds moisture well, but I am worried about impaction from the sand. (here are my favorites, but there are a ton of options and you could always go to the hardware store for these. coco coir & orchid bark)
2. Doesn't need bedding. You need a couple hides, a basking rock, a food and water dish (preferably a terra cotta saucer that the tortoise can get its whole body into), and substrate deep enough to hide in.
3. You should spot clean anytime you see poop (just pick it up). If you bathe your tortoise every day, it will frequently go in the bath and not in the substrate. Changing out the substrate every couple months is fine as long as you spot clean.

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Are you getting a hatchling or an adult (i can link you to care sheets)? Do you have a plan for food? Make sure you check the temperatures before you get the tortoise. What lights are you using? How big is the enclosure?

The most popular is probably from Miracle-Gro.

https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-Water-Storing-Crystals-12-Ounce/dp/B0042YYVYG

You should definitely have them in your country in some local gardening store. They're usually called something like "water storing gel" or "water storing crystals".

I'm using CVG with sterilized worm castings (vegan, no manure).

Bucket tek. Double bucket with mylar insulation.

I lysol'd and the tubs and then washed with soap and water.

I used grocery bags for liners and sprayed them down with isopropyl alcohol.

I prepared the tubs under a UVC quartz lamp and in an environment with noticeable levels of ozone gas.

If it isn't my grain, my second suspect is the Coco coir.

I used Plantonix Coco Coir Brick, OMRI Listed for Organic Use (5 Bricks) - https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N1YP8O6/

My environment is treated weekly with ozone (10g/hour, levels enough to suffocate a human through my 2097 respirator) and more frequently with UVC.

I'm able to do quick open air agar without contamination.

If you're using something like "kind" soil or nature's living soil then all you have to do is mix as per the instructions on the bag and then water. Obviously if you see any sort of nutrient issues you'll have to deal with that directly, but overall is a pretty laid back process.

I have seen people use them but I don’t trust them personally because of possible additives and dyes. This is what I normally use. One bag with last you forever Miracle-Gro Water Storing Crystals, 12-Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0042YYVYG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_BYC5WCM6NX72R11F0X14?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Yes miracle gro sucks. Their mixes retain way too much moisture for houseplants, and they tend to compact and become hydrophobic (where water runs down the edges of the pot instead of soaking into the soil). It's much easier to grow healthy plants in a higher quality soil.

Succulent soil is porous and fast draining with little to no organic ingredients. Think about the type of soil a rainforest tropical plant grows in vs a desert succulent - the tropical will have constantly moist, rich soil full of decaying organic matter, while most succs are adapted to airy, acidic, inorganic soil, mostly drought conditions, and after the occasional downpour their soil dries out very quickly. You want to mimic the conditions of their natural habitat as best as you can.

bonsai jack is often touted as the best succulent mix; I use it for all my succs. It's on the pricier side so if something like MG is the only kind within your budget then I'd suggest mixing it with 30-50% pumice so it drains better.

You'll put the coffee filter at the bottom of whichever pot the plant is potted in. It'll keep the soil from falling out the drain holes. Eventually it will break down but by the time that happens the soil and roots have formed a more solid mass that doesn't fall out the holes.

I just buy MOTHER EARTH Coco Bale and use what I need and the rest is bone dry so it stores easy. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M69KV51/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WPJPCAY11QNTSMDDRQN8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 and mox with this. FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 38.5 Quart (1.5 cu ft) | Bundled with 5 THCity Stakes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08832J1QV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PNHXHN1J59YHW2XS2W02?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Two 12 quart bags are $25 on Amazon which is more than enough for a grow but if I could get each bag for $8 at a store near me I would, what store did you go to?

Yep. It's the cactus and succulent mix. The pine bark smells great too which is sorta weird.

Also on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0194E9RW4/

I'm convinced now to move most of my plants into primarily inorganic potting soil. I've had less problems with that. But then again try whatever works for you!

You are not buying that for mushroom cultivation, are you? There is no point in the perlite and could only serve to increase the risk of contamination IMO. Mother Earth is great stuff for the cultivation of cannabis, but I'd highly recommend just using coco coir. It's much less expensive and likely more effective than this product. Coco coir is there to hold your moisture stable. Perlite is present to aid in drainage, which would be counter-effective in mushroom cultivation.

I'd recommend the Mother Earth Coco Bale 5k, for $23.23 from Amazon. It's washed and has low salt content, unlike a lot of other coco coirs.

https://www.amazon.com/Mother-Earth-Natural-Coconut-Fiber/dp/B01M69KV51/ref=psdc_3752881_t4_B01FG87H2O

1/4 brick coir per box. Got a 3 pack of these 1.4lb bricks, so I'll have coir for many grows to come with this smaller setup.

Usually anything above 65F at night is fine, they'll be able to access higher temps during the day but having something like a ceramic heat emitter so they can warm up at night won't hurt either. I would get some good temperature and humidity gauges before making any changes, though. I just made a comment in another thread outlining my gauge setup. If there was a single one I would go for, it would be the IR temp gun and there are some digital hygrometers you can get for ~$5.

On the diet, try to work in more variety. Crickets are okay but mealworms shouldn't be a staple. Phoenix worms are really good for them, dubia roaches and silkworms are also very nutritious. Part of the issue with mealworms is the amount of exoskeleton that is difficult to digest in large amounts.

Gut-loading is just feeding the insects nutritious food and giving them water before feeding. This ensures that they are packed with vitamins and nutrients, as well having a higher water content. Whatever is going into the insects is going into the gecko. Veggies like fresh collards are good, potatoes, and a "chow" can be bought premade online or made yourself cheaply (chicken feed, fish food, and calcium mixed together seems to be good). For water, I use water storing crystals. It's a crystal like substance that turns to gel when mixed with water, the pet stores sell the same stuff for several times the price.

Dusting is good. I think you're probably good there.

I would try to upgrade him to a larger size. 40B is best, with 20gal Long being the bare minimum. Maybe look into setting up a bioactive enclosure with live plants, UVB lighting, and the works. But that's a whole other rabbit hole we could go down and talk about for hours lol

https://www.amazon.com/Super-Moss-59834-22330-B00BR1B1H2/dp/B00BR1B1H2

^above is the link for the sphagnum moss, super good quality and high density. One 2lb block can effectively make at least 8-10 poles.

Chicken wire was bought at Home Depot 3’x15’ black hard plastic.

Black zipties used to fasten was also bought at Home Depot.

Hope this helps!

Not saying that at all... Miracle Grow tends to have time release nutrients and it is a good way to stunt or burn up a smaller plant. I don’t personally know exactly what your soil is or what it consists of. I do recommend coco coir mix at least 50/50 for small to medium size roots (from start to finish if possible) something like this on a 1 to 1 ratio. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HXOI3U0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HSFBQKEGM3CDYVJYC2XN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M69KV51/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Y2SQ1MWCHC39F0DFYTYE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

We recently got into succulents and are trying to figure out if these are getting enough water or too much.

We've had these for about a month now and started noticing recently that their leaves towards the bottom are droopy and wrinkly, but still somewhat firm.

They are all kept in pots with drainage holes and fast draining succulent soil mix.

We have been watering them with the soak and dry method about once a week.

They are kept under a grow light 16 hours a day, but also get some indirect sunlight.

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

Do yourself a favor and keep in mind that seedlings will do better in a mild soil with good drainage. Just my thing I’m not saying it’s better than any other way... Seedlings in Coco until transferring from solo cup then I use a 50/50 mix of FF and coco. I like having control over my feedings so I feed organic nutrients as needed.

Mother Earth Coco Bale 5 kg, 100% Coconut Coir Fibers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M69KV51/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_dlC_YSzcGb0QM6TKY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Organic Mix Indoor Outdoor For Garden And Plants - Organic Plant Fertilizer - 38.5 Quart (1.5 cu ft). - (Bundled with Pearsons Protective Gloves) (1 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VLPKXCT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_rVzcGbX6V5Y35?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

The coco brick is half the price of the bag and is more than is needed.

I thought about getting what cocoforcannabis suggests but then I seen ME bails for just a tad more and I've heard great things about the brand

Perlite is pretty cheap at my home depot so ill probably just get it there

I like the idea of being able to make a lot of medium for a really good price and just a little effort

Ok im just going to assume this is all above board lol....

You should look into buying some gritty mix/succulent soil. Regular soil holds too much water. Especially for a more interesting plant like this its wort it.

Here: https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Jack-Succulent-Cactus-Soil/dp/B0194E9RW4

Ive never used that myself but it should work ok.

First you should wait for like a week for these guys to callous over. Then you just nestle the base in the gravely mix. You water very infrequently in winter, and more often in summer (Still waiting for it to dry). If I lived somwhere with warm summers where most weeks get a few days without rain, I would grow them outside. They like bright light but probably wont endure all day direct outdoor sun. Morning sun, or dappled/broken up sun outdoors. Indoors full sun as bright as spot as you can give it. Fertilize infrequently with low niutrogen fertilizer like NPK of 1-7-6.

Deal link: Amazon

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To me it looks like water crystals.

https://smile.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-Water-Storing-Crystals-12-Ounce/dp/B0042YYVYG/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1538220364&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=water+crystals&psc=1

Occasionally if you buy cut flowers they might come with a small package of water crystals. You dump it in the vase with the water and they swell up and become a gel like substance. You can also buy larger amounts (like in the Amazon link) intended for mixing in with potting soil. Also I have a pet lizard and occasionally when I receive orders of live bugs through the mail the seller might throw in a small baggie of crystals that looks identical to this (mix the crystals with water then you can give the crystals to the bugs as a source of water).

Ultimately its going to be impossible to say for sure what a mystery white crystal substance might be just from a picture :).

Shit, they actually ran out.

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But there were a lot of other options I had found on amazon for about 0.03 cent per gram more expensive, I had spent about half an hour to forty minutes calculating values of products lol

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Things that are called "coco pith" are exactly the same as well btw

I bought this pot, and it states it's for mini succulents. Is it not at all possible to plant without a drainage hole?

I'm also looking at this soil mix on Amazon. I want to have rocks on top of the planter for decorative purposes anyways, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone and grab this bag since it has rocks. Would I have to mix this with any other soil so that water is more absorbed instead of sitting at the bottom? What do you think?

I'm using that same exact soil and also bought it from Amazon! I hope its not the soil. Mine would most likely die if I repot it again.

This is the soil:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007GS9ZGO/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just bought them last week. I initially planted them in regular potting soil since I was unaware of what soil to plant them in I watered them and I'm sure the soil was left wet for a couple of days since there's no drainage in my pots. Then I purchased bonsai Jack's cactus mix on amazon and replanted them in the same pots and added a little water. I wasn't sure just how much "little water" was til I saw videos. How can you tell the difference between root rot and dried roots?

It was a $5 ceramic pot from Walmart that was bigger than the one it came in. Forget what the bonsai purists say about what pot goes with what tree. Get one that you like that you think looks good with your tree. Bonsai is living art so have fun with it!

As for the soil I like to mix some Miracle Gro potting soil with either the tropical or all-purpose blend soil from tinyroots on amazon. I found the bonsai soil was too aerated by itself and the potting soil helped it retain a little moisture.

https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Tree-Soil-Purpose-Blend/dp/B007GS9ZGO

Keep in mind I haven’t even had this tree for a full season so I may not be the best advice :)

It's very similar to this stuff which is used in gardening to help retain moisture. It's non-toxic and would just get into your soil.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06W9F7XDY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

this seems to be the go to for everyone. just check out the name brand and they have some smaller sizes available. like 1.4 lb bricks instead of 10.

i will definitely show you the side by side. i can't wait to move! lol. i want to grow so bad. disabled vet but live in a non cultivating state with no looks of changing that anytime soon.

my concern is using recharge and bud bulk during flower in the octopot. being it's a res and it wicks the water up it'd work that way, but i fear for the roots in the res. would they eat the same food or do they need liquid nutes since it is hydro sort of lol. and if i do use liquid nutes, will that mess up my organic super soil. i just want to water until harvest, but i know that you do have to ammend after like 30/40 days. so i'm just all confused. they say you can get the benefits of hydro grow with soil taste. and that's what i want. that soil taste. so i really have to figure that part out lol. was trying to do the purple cow as you suggested or the FFOF mixed with this. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TRYL6K7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

definitely will be looking into fish sh!t

Hey there! I've returned with a couple more specific questions after a few days of research. Anyone with wisteria growing experience especially could help.

First, some of our seedlings are having some leaf folding: https://imgur.com/a/DXz9GQb

Study suggests this is a fertilization issue, which thankfully we've got some fertilizer coming in today. Just wanted second opinions on this.

Second, the videos I was able to find about wisteria bonsai on youtube suggested they might do better in thicker soil than most bonsai. We have them in this soil since we didn't know better when we started, alongside a little peat they originally sprouted in.

Would it be smart to add in more peat, or is what we've got solid enough? I'm just not sure whether to trust youtube here.

Thank you again to anyone that takes the time to answer!

what's bottom watering? I use this gritty mix #111 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0194E9RW4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've been trying to do some research and am getting confused about what soil is recommended. I've seen your recommendation used on other sites, but some also swear by more soil-based pre-mixes (link for example). Not sure what to actually use for string of pearls! Could you speak to why some sites may be recommending the more soil-based pre-mixes compared to something like Bonsai Jack's mix?