Hobbit GDF said:

Where can I get seeds? I mean ive googled them and found couple sites and I have a guy on Instagram but idk if I can trust these places. I know you guys would know the best route. Plz and thx fam

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Wedgie said:

I was gonna say yeah what about washed sand? It can become compact and hard
for sure, I think it happens to me when I add too much into the mix.

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It depends on the type of washed sand and you should always rinse it more when you get it home. This will remove the finer particles that are still present and will help prevent compaction. You'll be surprised at how much washes away. Use a bucket. Put sand in. Fill bucket with water. Stir it all up so it's muddy. Let the heavier coarser sand to settle and pour off the muddy looking water containing the fines. Repeat until clear.

Or use a sieve with like a 2-3mm screen.

You saying it compacts is telling me it's the wrong sand.

Coarse sand is called this because the edges are irregular and coarse. Even if you pour water over it it will never compact enough for water to not get through easily. The irregular and coarse edges form gaps that still allow the water through. It's always gritty, even when totally waterlogged.

Fine sands will be less coarse, have more regular edges and will compact tightly together once water is poured through it. Preventing any gaps for water to get through. It's not gritty and is smooth and viscid in the hand when totally waterlogged.

Not all sands are the same and coarse sand is not washed sand.

karode13 said:

1 part soil and 2 parts Perlite will work. It's basically what I use.

Alternatives for lava rock(scoria as we call it in Australia) can be: Akadama, Pumice stone, Hydroponic clay balls.

All of them should be around 2-5mm in size to mix soil with. Take note of the size you're purchasing.

You can also use coarse sand. But make sure it's coarse sand and wash it before you make a soil mix. Washing removes the fine particles. If you use the incorrect sand then your soil will compact. You don't want that.

Your plant looks fine really.

It's hard to advise you further as I don't know how long you've had this plant, how long it was potted for and what time of year it is in your part of the world, Spring, Winter etc....?

It doesn't appear to have any fine roots. That's why it probably hasn't taken in any water and why it's wrinkled a little bit. Unless it's been in full sun. That can cause shriveling too.

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PuffM4gicDr4gon said:

I got the plant at the end of June. It was planted in the soil/rock/sand/peat mix it came with.

Do I need to do anything with the exterior damage? I ordered some sulfur powder if it will help.

For now, I just have it under a 4-headed LED full spectrum seedling light. I plan to get something more powerful, but I'm going to build a lighted shelf for loph seedlings/plants and want to plan that out before I buy anything.

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