Adding sand to the potting mix

[Logolight]

I decided after the fact that I want to try to add sand to my already potted palms but I'm not sure if it's possible by now or not.  

Would pouring the sand directly on top of the soil eventualy permeate down into the pot or will I have to physicaly remove the soil and mix the sand in by hand?

I potted them about a week and a half ago so the root balls should still be somewhat intact, but I'd still hate to disturb the roots as is.

Thanks.

Dave

[bgl]

Dave,

You didn't mention what kind of palms these are, which could be crucial. I have never tried what you suggest, but I doubt it'll work. If it were me I would simply repot the palms in the new mix you think is better for them.

Bo-Göran

[chris.oz]

Dave,

 I have had the problem that some mixes I have bought  tend to "clump" and repel moisture because there is not enough sand in the mix.  In that event I found one way to get the sand into the mix is to put the sand on top and fire a fairly forceful hose jet into the mix.    But this will only be effective in the top layers of the soil in the pot.  To have extra sand through the whole depth I would follow Bo Gorans advice.

[Logolight]

Thanks.  Bo, to answer your question of what kind of palms:  Bottle, Spindle, Nenga pumila, and A. triandra.

[bgl]

Dave,

I don't think you'll have any problems at all re-potting those palms in the new mix.

Bo-Göran

[Logolight]

Thanks Bo.  I'll repot them tomorrow and let you know.

[PalmGuyWC]

I usually make up my own potting mix since most of the commercial potting soils are to loose without any substance, usually mostly peat, redwood shavings, or sawdust and some perlite.  I like a well drained soil, so I add a lot more perlite, and 1/8" red lava rock.  I always put in a few scoops of builders sand to give the soil some weight and a couple of scoops of aged chicken or stear manure.  This works for me and gives me good drainage in the winter with the rains.  Without the added materials, most potting soils become soggy  and stay to wet in the winter time in N. Calif. Most commercial potting soils have very little or any sand added because of weight. This is the mix I use for my Rhapis, but it seems to work well for any palm.

Dick

[chris.oz]

(PalmGuyWC @ Apr. 27 2007,17:22)

QUOTE

I usually make up my own potting mix since most of the commercial potting soils are to loose without any substance, usually mostly peat, redwood shavings, or sawdust and some perlite.  I like a well drained soil, so I add a lot more perlite, and 1/8" red lava rock.  I always put in a few scoops of builders sand to give the soil some weight and a couple of scoops of aged chicken or stear manure.  This works for me and gives me good drainage in the winter with the rains.  Without the added materials, most potting soils become soggy  and stay to wet in the winter time in N. Calif. Most commercial potting soils have very little or any sand added because of weight. This is the mix I use for my Rhapis, but it seems to work well for any palm.

Dick

I also add sand  but I am not adding the coarse  material at this time.  I will see if I can get some to add in to the mixes I use,  because the mix stays wet here in a normal winter  also !

[Logolight]

Bo, I mixed leveling sand into the soil and repotted the palms with no problems.  Thanks.

[Kris]

Dear logo  

i did not follow what you asked but if you wanted to add soil to a palm.just buy a bigger empty pot.and pull the palm out as i have show you guys in palm maintanence threads.

and add whatever you want and place that baby in that bigger new pot.if you see my threads you will understand what iam saying.

but anyway you seem to have managed it this time.but next time always go for the next size and add all soil enhancers to it.no problem at all  

Love,

Kris  

[Logolight]

Thanks Kris,  You're the master of palms as always.