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Mushrooms, Mycology and Psychedelics > The Ethnobotanical Garden
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Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix?
    #22869044 -

I have read for years that diatomaceous earth (DE) is useful in mineral mixes for drainage and to counter infestation. It is also a light material so I would consider using it instead of perlite (or more of it than perlite) because perlite tends to be too light and floats when I water my plants.

Any advice for using DE (calcined DE, not food grade) in cacti mineral mixes?

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: cactamateur]
    #22869508 -

Ive used it. Works well. But i wouldnt replace perlite with it. I'd use it in conjuction with. You see, iatamaceous earth is an absorber. If thats the one you're thinking of using. They sell it at auto parts stores.

You can use it. If you use sand in your mix, which is a debated topic, I'd replace that with DE.


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Nature is my church and walking through it is gospel. It tells no lies and reveals all to those who look, and listen, closely.
-Karode

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: ferrel_human]
    #22870241 -

ferrel_human said:
You can use it. If you use sand in your mix, which is a debated topic, I'd replace that with DE.


Mmmm... it seems to be available on line here at about €13 a kilo - plus carriage.  I think I will stick to coarse builder´s sand at €1.50 for a bag I can barely lift.


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I am currently BANNED from using Private Messages - so can anyone who wants to contact me do it via my Journal thread.  Link is https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/23831115

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: Spanishfly]
    #22870252 -

The napa one (#8822?) that is often used, is granular and quite absorbent. Goes well in a cactus mix. As ferrel says, don't replace perlite with it, but use it as well.



The dust that comes off it could be put to use to destroy bugs, but this action from DE won't happen inside a wet pot. The dry, fine powder absorbs the fats and waxes from a bugs exoskeleton leading to dehydration and death.


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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: Mostly_Harmless]
    #22870293 -

Thanks for your responses I will be picking some up today.

It is common here for cat litter and for oil absorbent - so found almost everywhere and quite cheap (cheaper than I usually see perlite going for).

I do like using coarse sand as well, but only in very small quantities. I'm looking more for something to provide for the 'bulk' of the mix. A mix of coco, perlite, DE, I think now that would be a good light airy mix with good drainage.

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: cactamateur]
    #22870302 -

The main thing to check if the napa is the right grade, like with cat litters used for cacti and bonsai, it should stay remain solid even after a long soak.

http://www.bonsai4me.co.uk/Basics/Basicscatlitter%20page3.html


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●  EG Rules and Guidelines ● 


|| Lophophora Growers Unite! || Trichocereus Growers Unite! || Stone Eaters - A Soil Revolution ||

You must gather your party before venturing forth.

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: Mostly_Harmless]
    #22874735 -

I have used  the NAPA 8822 for years as a replacement for pumice in a cactus mix  , and I kill a lot less aloe and cacti now .

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: moko]
    #22874806 -

This term NAPA that has crept undefined into the thread - may I ask what does that refer to ??


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I am currently BANNED from using Private Messages - so can anyone who wants to contact me do it via my Journal thread.  Link is https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/23831115

Maybe some mod or whatever might think this has now been long enough.

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: Spanishfly]
    #22875120 -

It is a store in the US, that is the part number.



Here is the stuff, but they do not ship it, store pickup only:

http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/CatalogItemDetail.aspx/Oil-Absorbent-24-QT-Diatomaceous-Earth-Absorbent/_/R-NFN8822_0189041133


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Even Jesus got stoned.

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: moko]
    #22875253 -

I should qualify that as - I killed less stuff when I started using the diatom floor dry to aerate things . Pumice would have had the same benefit , I just cant get it local .

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Re: Using Diatomaceous Earth in cactus mineral/soil mix? [Re: moko]
    #22875449 -

LOL - pumice I can get dead cheap - they ship it in from Lanzarote - one of the Canary islands that is volcanic and made of the stuff.


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I am currently BANNED from using Private Messages - so can anyone who wants to contact me do it via my Journal thread.  Link is https://www.shroomery.org/forums/showflat.php/Number/23831115

Maybe some mod or whatever might think this has now been long enough.

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Mushrooms, Mycology and Psychedelics > The Ethnobotanical Garden
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