Potting bark

For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation and exhibition of cacti & other succulents.
Forum rules
For the discussion of topics related to the conservation, cultivation, propagation, exhibition & science of cacti & other succulents only.

Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
Post Reply
User avatar
agavedave
Registered Guest
Posts: 285
https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
Joined: 21 Aug 2015
Branch: None
Country: UK
Location: East Anglia
Contact:

Potting bark

Post by agavedave »

Does anyone use potting bark or similar in their mix?

https://www.melcourt.co.uk/product/melc ... ting-bark/

Many years ago I had a behind the scenes tour of the glasshouses at RBG Edinburgh and saw how they keep backup or non display succulents. Most of what they were potting up was going into 100% bark chippings of about 6mm size and was told that was the best way to keep them.

I'm always looking to lighten bigger pots by eleminating some or all of the heavy grit so I'm probably going to give it a go next season unlees anyone can come up with a showstopper of a reason not to. The only thing that comes to mind is some of the nitrogen may be robbed from the mix.

Best regards
Dave
User avatar
RAYWOODBRIDGE
BCSS Member
Posts: 1134
Joined: 10 Mar 2012
Branch: None
Country: United Kingdom
Role within the BCSS: Member
Location: North West England
Contact:

Re: Potting bark

Post by RAYWOODBRIDGE »

Hi Dave
I don't grow succulents so I can't help there, but I do use 6mm and 10mm bark which is a light and clean product, at a rate of 50 percent in the mix for Epi cacti and it does reduce the weight alot compared to grit, as for the lack of nitrogen I can only say that all the plants in that mix are very lush and green.
Ray

BCSS member 50155
DKG member 311605
Echinocereenfreund member 100

Cactus only collection mainly from seed.
User avatar
agavedave
Registered Guest
Posts: 285
Joined: 21 Aug 2015
Branch: None
Country: UK
Location: East Anglia
Contact:

Re: Potting bark

Post by agavedave »

Thanks Ray

I'll give it a try. Keeping good drainage in 50cm pots by adding grit is getting too much for my creaky bones.

What do you mix it with?

My preferred mix for agaves has mostly been a mix of coir, sterilised top soil, Eco-ags , tesco cat litter and Q4 base fertiliser. Then for big pots that spend the summer outside, I add to the mix above about 25% potting grit which could add another 5kg.

I gave up on off the shelf JI long ago because there was so much rubbish in it.

Best regards
Dave
Attachments
Not the easiest to move around
Not the easiest to move around
20181016_185456.jpg (253.16 KiB) Viewed 1874 times
User avatar
Tina
BCSS Member
Posts: 7019
Joined: 11 Jan 2007
Branch: NORTHAMPTON & MILTON KEYNES
Country: England
Role within the BCSS: Member
Location: BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Re: Potting bark

Post by Tina »

I add to the mix above about 25% potting grit which could add another 5kg.
or you could just add the larger hydroton clay balls or the sanicat larger granules into the mix, I have also added lumps of polystyrene packing in big pots, a bonsai friend uses the twisty polystyrene pieces in the base of some of his pots.
I only use grit for top dressing its just too heavy in pots with big plants/pots,
Tina

varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.

Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
User avatar
agavedave
Registered Guest
Posts: 285
Joined: 21 Aug 2015
Branch: None
Country: UK
Location: East Anglia
Contact:

Re: Potting bark

Post by agavedave »

No plans to pot that big one on as it looks like it is getting ready to bolt. I do use the pink stuff but that can still get heavy if well watered. It took two of us to get that one tucked up in the glasshouse a few weeks ago. I Need a fork lift like agavegeoff has!

Best regards
Dave
User avatar
Tina
BCSS Member
Posts: 7019
Joined: 11 Jan 2007
Branch: NORTHAMPTON & MILTON KEYNES
Country: England
Role within the BCSS: Member
Location: BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

Re: Potting bark

Post by Tina »

More likely kevlar arms and leg guards, looks lovely but lethal
Tina

varied collection of succulents and cacti but I especially like Euphorbia's, Ariocarpus and variegated agaves.

Bucks, UK
Branch co-ordinator, Northants & MK BCSS https://northants.bcss.org.uk
BCSS Talk team member, contact me- BCSS.Talk@Gmail.com if you want to volunteer or suggest a speaker plz.
Post Reply