Check out this soil amendment

[Missi]

I ordered this mix to add to potting soil. What do you guys think? Ingredients are: pumice, calcined clay, montmorillonite (fired) clay, and pine bark fines. This is created for the purpose of bonsai and succulent growing. Is the pumice and monto clay unnecessary for palm potting media? Should I add it to potting soil, or use just this mix? I know a couple of you guys suggest using just LECA clay pebbles, Seramis (which I can't find available in the U.S., but isn't it just calcined clay bits?), along with some pine fines.

Bonsai Jack Cypress Soil Mix

[Monòver]

It looks perfect for poted palms.

[Kai]

Don't mix it with regular potting soil. Use it the way it is, it looks great!

[Missi]

On 5/31/2017, 10:57:57, Kai said:

Don't mix it with regular potting soil. Use it the way it is, it looks great!

Thank you for this advice! Is there anything in it that you wouldn't include or that you see as being unnecessary? I can mix my own blend on my next order.

Would you add some peat?

[Kai]

I wouldn't mix in peat. The excellent drainage of your decribed mix would be lost with the peat. Peat should be used for good whiskies only  The pinebark will be enough when it comes to organics in the mix.

[palm789]

is there something like this available like this in the uk

[palm789]

i found this one http://floralex.de/Soil/Details/E-23 mix is 

Iron, Wood fibres, Lime,

Coconut fibres, NPK starter fertilizer, Black Peat,

Micro-nutrients, Clay, White sod peat,

White Peat (milled)

[Missi]

1 hour ago, palm789 said:

is there something like this available like this in the uk

Bonsai Jack ships internationally. However, members in Europe use a product you can get over there called Seramis clay granules, along with clay pebbles, pine fines. Look for posts by Kai and Pal Meir for details 

[PalmatierMeg]

That stuff sounds good, although expensive. I would consider using it for select rare, valuable palms, i.e., Chamaedorea tuerckheimii, A. catechu dwarf. I buy 100% pumice from a supplier in Cali to use for rare potted cacti I keep in my garden shed. They have various sizes in 15lb bags for $25-27, including shipping. And they take Paypal, which is nice.

[The Germinator]

I have been using driveway cleaner in my Bonsai mix which is very cheap and available at the auto parts store. I heard you can use turface as well. Clay pellets are not available locally. I have seen videos of people smashing old clay pots to make clay tidbits.