Growing Cacti & Succulents in 100% Pumice

[Bonsai2]

I am gradually repotting my collection of Mesembs into 100% 2-4mm Pumice as my initial trial has been successful.

Do any growers using pure Pumice know if Mealy Bugs are less likely to be attracted to Pumice than when potted in JI2?

[Chris L]

I am gradually repotting my collection of Mesembs into 100% 2-4mm Pumice as my initial trial has been successful.

Do any growers using pure Pumice know if Mealy Bugs are less likely to be attracted to Pumice than when potted in JI2?

I've seen far far less mealy bugs in my collection since everything was repotted into 100% pumice. Anyone inspecting the plants would have a job to find one. Far more effective (touch wood) than any chemical or contact "bug killer"

I have a feeling it is "scratchy" to them, much like DE and they cannot survive in it.

[Paul D]

I am gradually repotting my collection of Mesembs into 100% 2-4mm Pumice as my initial trial has been successful.

Do any growers using pure Pumice know if Mealy Bugs are less likely to be attracted to Pumice than when potted in JI2?

I've seen far far less mealy bugs in my collection since everything was repotted into 100% pumice. Anyone inspecting the plants would have a job to find one. Far more effective (touch wood) than any chemical or contact "bug killer"

I have a feeling it is "scratchy" to them, much like DE and they cannot survive in it.

I'm afraid I have to disagree Chris. It may well be that they are less willing to live in pumice, but I've found mealy bugs on roots of plants in pumice, both imported on plants from Germany (grown from seed in pumice) and then subsequently on some of my own plants nearby.

[TomInTucson]

I am gradually repotting my collection of Mesembs into 100% 2-4mm Pumice as my initial trial has been successful.

Do any growers using pure Pumice know if Mealy Bugs are less likely to be attracted to Pumice than when potted in JI2?

I've seen far far less mealy bugs in my collection since everything was repotted into 100% pumice. Anyone inspecting the plants would have a job to find one. Far more effective (touch wood) than any chemical or contact "bug killer"

I have a feeling it is "scratchy" to them, much like DE and they cannot survive in it.

I'm afraid I have to disagree Chris. It may well be that they are less willing to live in pumice, but I've found mealy bugs on roots of plants in pumice, both imported on plants from Germany (grown from seed in pumice) and then subsequently on some of my own plants nearby.

I agree about your pumice observations. I try not to, but I HATE the little buggers. My soil mix has a plethora of ingredients (almost too many to list here), but two I use that have helped control root mealies are a form of motor oil absorbent: crushed (not powdered) DE. and, a similar sized expanded (and crushed) glass product (sold mainly to hydroponic growers) which serves as a method for controlling fungus gnat larvae. I wish someone should use some expendable cacti, and conduct test trials with each (DE & expanded glass). I would like to see the results.