Ive been experimenting in a clear plastic tupperware about 9"x6"x1.75" with two 1" drain holes as per most bonsai pots and Im getting about a 1/8"-1/4" perched water table, could this small amount be causing my problems? I must try a wick and see if that helps. Even after three years in this mix I have a hard time estimating water needs. Previously I used a mix of oak leaf mould, pine bark, tad of peat, and plain old dirt with some sand added and pumice, this worked fine for the last 10 years, I guess I switched because of all the great results I have seen and read on mainly inorganic substrate. One of my boxwoods are finally starting to revive after three years in the mix, I checked the roots often and were always rotted, now I see white roots and am finally getting some new growth! Im not sure why my trees have suffered in this mix.

I have about 200 extremely healthy trees in the gritty mix, and have been using it exclusively for all my potted woody material, beginning with each plant's first repot, for more than 25 years. There is nothing wrong with a properly made gritty mix, which should have virtually no perched water to be concerned about, if properly made. You'll be hard pressed to find a better or more versatile soil for your trees. If you're having troubles with trees that suffer, you'll find relief much quicker via a review your basic growing habits instead of blaming the soil. Taking stock of things like pH, light levels, watering/fertigating habits, max root/soil temperatures, ..... is likely to be much more productive than tossing out a perfectly serviceable soil.

Al

I came up with a mixture of 2 parts river rock (uncoloured aquarium gravel), 1 part lava rock, 1 part Aspen chips (a type of terrarium liner for reptiles.)

Seems to frain quite fast and hold ever slight moisture for a few days depending on heat and my plants take to it quite well, a few japanese maples, a birch, and a jade tree.

This post was edited by Snajeelay on Wed, Aug 28, 13 at 8:17