Size of substrate particles
- Ivan Mann
-
Offline Topic Author
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 1840
- Thanks received: 625
Several websites give about the same mix of akadama, etc., and they all say to sieve the particles. Sieves all come in three sizes, so I can get three sizes of particles, and dust.
Given a pile of small, medium, and large akadama, same of lava rocks, and same of pumice (or whatever) how would you choose from the piles for a particular tree? I would guess shohin and mame get the smallest particle, and so forth. Would that be right?
Given a pile of small, medium, and large akadama, same of lava rocks, and same of pumice (or whatever) how would you choose from the piles for a particular tree? I would guess shohin and mame get the smallest particle, and so forth. Would that be right?
by Ivan Mann
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- leatherback
-
Offline
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 8642
- Thanks received: 3662
The smaller the particle size, the more moisture it holds. So if you want more air in the mix, you take larger particles.
I keep the 2 largest sizes for newly collected trees, trees with weak roots and plants that I am growing out.
I keep the 2 largest sizes for newly collected trees, trees with weak roots and plants that I am growing out.
by leatherback
The following user(s) said Thank You: Ivan Mann
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Ivan Mann
-
Offline Topic Author
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 1840
- Thanks received: 625
Thanks, Leatherback.
A related question, do you sift out sphagnum moss, too? When I tried that, out of four cups I got a teaspoon or two of medium, about half fine dust, and close to half big chunks and twigs. I don't think I want to throw away 90% of the bag, do I? I do want to toss the twigs.
A related question, do you sift out sphagnum moss, too? When I tried that, out of four cups I got a teaspoon or two of medium, about half fine dust, and close to half big chunks and twigs. I don't think I want to throw away 90% of the bag, do I? I do want to toss the twigs.
by Ivan Mann
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- leatherback
-
Offline
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 8642
- Thanks received: 3662
I do not use spaghnum in my substrate. (Nor akadama for that matter)
by leatherback
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.
- Clicio
-
Offline
- Platinum Member
-
- Posts: 3555
- Thanks received: 1549
Ivan Mann wrote: A related question, do you sift out sphagnum moss, too? .
I use it to keep the upper surface of the soil moist. I cut it with the shears in small pieces, don't sift it and take it out after summer.
by Clicio
The following user(s) said Thank You: Ivan Mann
Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.