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Convergence
indefineable


Registered: 07/03/15
Posts: 160
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
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Is Spongolite any good for cactus mix?
#21993818 - 07/25/15 06:17 AM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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I'm trying to build a decent mix from what's available near me. So far I'm going with pot mix, cococoir, course sand and zeolite. I found this product spongolite which sounds good in theory but i thought I'd ask you experts.
http://www.greenlifesoil.com.au/minerals-and-fertilizers/spongolite-15kg
This is the product.
-------------------- “Reality is what we take to be true. What we take to be true is what we believe. What we believe is based upon our perceptions. What we perceive depends upon what we look for. What we look for depends upon what we think. What we think depends upon what we perceive. What we perceive determines what we believe. What we believe determines what we take to be true. What we take to be true is our reality.”
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Convergence
indefineable


Registered: 07/03/15
Posts: 160
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
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Re: Is Spongolite any good for cactus mix? [Re: Convergence]
#21997556 - 07/25/15 10:20 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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Bump. If anyone knows please help. Here are the ingredients and blurb from the supplier.
Spongolite is comprised of almost 99% silica. Silica plays a very important role in strengthening cell structure in plants, making them less susceptible to pest and disease attack. It also aids in healthy flower and fruit production. Spongolite is very lightweight and extremely porous. It has a natural ability to hold onto water. The sponge structure is silica based and very strong, which means it does not tend to break down quickly. In horticulture, it is used in potting mixes and garden beds to help with water retention. Containing silica, it is abrasive and care should be taken to avoid breathing dust particles (its needle like structure is similar to asbestos). It is a useful additive to potting mix; incorporate at about 2 – 10% of the total volume used. It can be worked into the top 100 - 200mm of soil, or added to compost piles. On sandy soils, use at a ratio of 250gms – 1kg per square metre. As a general rule, the poorer the soil, the more Spongolite may be required. Try a smaller quantity, and repeat application if required.
-------------------- “Reality is what we take to be true. What we take to be true is what we believe. What we believe is based upon our perceptions. What we perceive depends upon what we look for. What we look for depends upon what we think. What we think depends upon what we perceive. What we perceive determines what we believe. What we believe determines what we take to be true. What we take to be true is our reality.”
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Lemnaminor
Lophophora - eyed



Registered: 11/13/13
Posts: 1,366
Loc: Sicily
Last seen: 1 month, 25 days
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Re: Is Spongolite any good for cactus mix? [Re: Convergence]
#21998330 - 07/26/15 02:56 AM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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just read the description of the product. I think that while lightness and pouroseness are usefull characteristics, the water retaining could be a problem. Like vermiculite, that is not suitable on cactus because it retains too much water, also this one seems to be retaining water and moisture. Also silica gels are used as dehumifiers, so basically it would absorb even ambiental humidity. the name also explains a bit. does remind the word "sponge" Not being an expert, my personal opinion is that this is not suitable for cactus mix.
Anyhow, if used alone and bone dry, that may be an efficient rooting medium
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      "The best things in life, come covered in spines."
Edited by Lemnaminor (07/26/15 03:00 AM)
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Convergence
indefineable


Registered: 07/03/15
Posts: 160
Last seen: 7 years, 7 months
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Re: Is Spongolite any good for cactus mix? [Re: Convergence]
#21998388 - 07/26/15 04:07 AM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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I'm trying to find a replacement for pumice. We don't have scoria or pumice here, so I've been using perlite. But I want some aggregate to mix in like pumice/scoria thats heavier than perlite, and I also want something mineral for when I try cacti other than trichocereus.
I can get zeolite which looks great in theory and i've heard others here say its good. But its not a pumice/perlite/scoria replacement.
So my options so far are spongolite which I linked a description above, and these others...
-Biochar Biochar (sometimes known as terra preta or black earth) is form of charcoal that is created at a very high temperature over an extended period under controlled conditions called pyrolysis. A huge amount of carbon is captured in the process. In soil, Biochar lasts for thousands of years before breaking down. It is highly porous, meaning that it holds onto water and nutrients, and is colonised by microbes. It is a highly stable way of adding humus to sandy soils, and has long term benefits; reducing fertiliser requirements and leaching.
TIP: Super charge Biochar by adding liquid nutrients like kelp, fish liquids or worm juice, mix the nutrient liquid with a bucket of water, tip 5 litres of the liquid a bucket of Biochar and leave for a few hours before applying. Think of Biochar as a sponge with billions of tiny holes to fill, so nutrient charging your Biochar will give you great results in your garden much sooner.
Gypsum Otherwise known as hydrated calcium sulfate, Gypsum occurs as a saline evaporite mineral from ancient watercourses (similar to limestone). It is a major industrial mineral used in products from paper to paint, and also as a food additive. Gardeners are interested in its applications as a clay breaker, helping to improve structure and increasing the infiltration of air and water through the soil. It also allows plant roots to penetrate, alleviating compaction. Gypsum is pH neutral and is a useful source of calcium. Gypsum should be added at a rate of 0.5 - 1kg per m2, digging into the soil. It is also beneficial to add organic matter to continue to improve the soil structure.
and Vermiculite which doesn't require a description.
So... what can I use to replace pumice? (For general cacti mixes as well as for cacti seed raising mix)
-------------------- “Reality is what we take to be true. What we take to be true is what we believe. What we believe is based upon our perceptions. What we perceive depends upon what we look for. What we look for depends upon what we think. What we think depends upon what we perceive. What we perceive determines what we believe. What we believe determines what we take to be true. What we take to be true is our reality.”
Edited by Convergence (07/26/15 04:08 AM)
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Lemnaminor
Lophophora - eyed



Registered: 11/13/13
Posts: 1,366
Loc: Sicily
Last seen: 1 month, 25 days
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Re: Is Spongolite any good for cactus mix? [Re: Convergence]
#22000624 - 07/26/15 04:27 PM (8 years, 6 months ago) |
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not sure about biochar, i already expressed my opinion on Vermiculite... I'm not an expert and I want to make clear that i'm not suggesting that you should use that, but, Gypsum (as long as it's mineral) might be suitable for cacti.
Anyhow, i still prefer to go near rivers and collect sand and small pebbles.
wait for other people to express an opinion. I replied because nobody did, and expressed my preference thinking about what is good and what is not. As long as it does not compact, as long as it doesen't retain too much water, and doesen't leave unwanted nutrients to soil, that might be suitable.
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      "The best things in life, come covered in spines."
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