Dear all,
As the title suggests I have decided to give it a go and have obtained a quantity to try. For those who have/are using it my question is have you found any problems transferring plants from an organic/inorganic mix to pure pumice? How do you find re-establishing plants as I imagine root development would be different? I have some Echinopsis hybrids and Opuntia sp. to try and may do a side by side comparison. Any tips would be appreciated.
Many thanks
Trying 100% pumice for the first time
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!
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!
-
- Registered Guest
- Posts: 86
- https://www.behance.net/kuchnie-warszawa
- Joined: 13 Feb 2011
- Branch: None
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Non-Member
Trying 100% pumice for the first time
Varied collection of mostly cacti with some Agave and Aloes - space is always the problem!!
- Bonsai2
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 49
- Joined: 12 Sep 2018
- Branch: FIFE
- Country: Scotland
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Contact:
Re: Trying 100% pumice for the first time
I have been using 1-3 mm Pumice and 3-5mm for the last 6 months and am pleased with the results. I also feed once per month with Maxicrop Seaweed organic plant stimulator which helps to replace any missing nutrients at 1/4 strength. I repotted a Lithops back into John Innes for a friend 2 months ago and it is now going to flower. Before repotting into Pumice, I wash any soil off the plant roots, let them dry then repot.
although the Pumice I use is advertised as being washed, I wash it again as it does contain dust.
As Pumice is more expensive than JI2 and grit, Pumice is reusable after washing which saves some money. I hope all goes well with your change of substrate.
although the Pumice I use is advertised as being washed, I wash it again as it does contain dust.
As Pumice is more expensive than JI2 and grit, Pumice is reusable after washing which saves some money. I hope all goes well with your change of substrate.
Bonsai2
(Member)
(Member)
- Chris L
- BCSS Branch Websites Co-ordinator
- Posts: 2623
- Joined: 11 Oct 2009
- Branch: MANCHESTER
- Country: England
- Role within the BCSS: Branch Websites Co-ordinator
- Location: Lancashire, England
- Contact:
Re: Trying 100% pumice for the first time
My experience of growing in pumice - you need to make sure you've got ALL the old soil off the roots. Ideally any fine roots should go too.
If I lost a plant invariably it was one that had soil and rotted roots in the pumice when I unpotted it.
Pumice roots are different than John Innes roots.
If I lost a plant invariably it was one that had soil and rotted roots in the pumice when I unpotted it.
Pumice roots are different than John Innes roots.
Joined 1991
Lamb's Reference Plate Index http://www.cactus-corner.co.uk/referenc ... -guide.htm
FREE on Kindle Unlimited:
Anglesey Circular Walk https://amzn.to/34i18qF
Lytham-Arnside Walk https://amzn.to/3fpQPGf
My Redbubble Shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/cactuschris/shop
Lamb's Reference Plate Index http://www.cactus-corner.co.uk/referenc ... -guide.htm
FREE on Kindle Unlimited:
Anglesey Circular Walk https://amzn.to/34i18qF
Lytham-Arnside Walk https://amzn.to/3fpQPGf
My Redbubble Shop https://www.redbubble.com/people/cactuschris/shop
-
- Registered Guest
- Posts: 86
- Joined: 13 Feb 2011
- Branch: None
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Non-Member
Re: Trying 100% pumice for the first time
That was my concern about old soil! It might be that I take cuttings and root them in pumice and that is where they can stay as the roots produced will be used to the different substrate.
Thanks for the replies.
Thanks for the replies.
Varied collection of mostly cacti with some Agave and Aloes - space is always the problem!!
- ralphrmartin
- BCSS Research Committee Chairman
- Posts: 6143
- Joined: 11 Jan 2007
- Branch: None
- Country: United Kingdom
- Role within the BCSS: Chairman - Research
- Location: Pwllheli
- Contact:
Re: Trying 100% pumice for the first time
I would not prick out tiny cactus seedlings (smaller than 3mm say) direct into pumice - it dries out too quickly. Ones in a "standard mix" grow much more quickly. I'd transfer them to pumice once they have a good root system.
Ralph Martin
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/cacti.html
Members visiting the Llyn Peninsula are welcome to visit my collection.
Swaps and sales at https://www.rrm.me.uk/Cacti/forsale.php
My Field Number Database is at https://www.fieldnos.bcss.org.uk
-
- BCSS Member
- Posts: 469
- Joined: 14 Aug 2009
- Branch: None
- Country: UK
- Role within the BCSS: Member
- Location: Lancaster UK
Re: Trying 100% pumice for the first time
This is good advice and I found it applies to a lesser degree to moler clay granules as well. This summer I moved on some very sad little seedlings from this into a JI based mix and they have massively increased in size and look far more likely to survive the winter.ralphrmartin wrote: ↑Sat Sep 09, 2023 6:43 pm I would not prick out tiny cactus seedlings (smaller than 3mm say) direct into pumice - it dries out too quickly. Ones in a "standard mix" grow much more quickly. I'd transfer them to pumice once they have a good root system.
Darren nr Lancaster UK. Growing Conophytum, Lobivia, Sulcorebutia, bulbs etc.