BCSS - Forum

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

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.

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

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,

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

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