This is my 60% pumice-40% granite gravel mix: Pumice-DG_rinsed04242016_forum.jpg Grain sizes range from 1 mm to 5 mm. The mix provides wide-open aeration to the roots, and cactus roots thrive in it. Not the best for growers living in arid climates, although they may be able to do well with nothing b...

I noticed JR Peters (makers of popular Jack's Classic ferts) offers water analysis lab tests for $46 + one way shipping. I'm probably going to send mine in if just for the complete knowledge of macro/micro nutrients (and to think I'm fancy). I've also been meaning to test the soil of my in-ground c...

The raised bed mix from my area only has decomposed leaf an wood chip according to the ingredients labeling on the bag. It could be a locality thing. I’ll post a pic here in a bit for you, I work in a garden center but it could take me a little bit were I have to resize the photo to be allowed on h...

Man, this is complicated... :lol: Per our last convo on a different thread about calcium binding, I did learn recently (thanks to a chemist friend) that calcium does indeed bind with phosphate. Calcium acetate (acidifying with vinegar) is the most effective at this due to its high solubility. The ke...

I used to try to use a pH meter but could never get it to work- readings were all over the place buffer fluids or not, and that's when the battery worked. I had just as much problems with having a working battery as I did with wild readings. Then there's the times the battery leaked and completely ...

My first ask: don't mention sulfuric acid (highly tissue corrosive) as an acidifier option like they do lol. Agreed -- way too dangerous for hobbyist use, and best if we leave it to the professionals who know what they're doing. Going to look around and see if there's anything with very positive re...

I stumbled on this very in-depth piece all about water alkalinity/pH and why it's so important for it to be right for watering cacti, whether in-ground or potted. The one glaring thing missing is a reference to the added benefit of increasing the availability of cal/mag in hard water through the pr...

Chindit wrote: ↑Mon May 13, 2024 7:07 pm Steve, I just realized that while I read your message when posted i never responded.
Thanks for re-posting that info and for all the help with my project.

My pleasure, and please keep us posted on your progress.

Are there any risks or adverse effects associated with the acidification of hard water, whether it be changes in elemental composition or the water or impact on soil media/cacti health? For example, calcium acetate is a phosphate binder - unsure if that in turn makes phosphorous less available to t...

The beige areas around the base indicate premature corking, typical for mixes containing too much soil and organic material. Lean out the mix by adding mineral gravel -- pumice (the best if you can find it), granite gravel, or calcined clay granules. My default recommendation is a 50% soil/50% miner...

I'm pretty confident our tap water has a high-ish pH (7.5-8), but I should probably test it personally to get a good sense. I wish there was a clear report breakdown of all the minerals in Arizona tap water, but I can't seem to find that info anywhere. Don't know if this is helpful, but I just want...

Thanks for some guidance on what to look out for! My pleasure! Btw - what role does urea nitrogen play and is ammoniacal superior because it removes one more step of conversion through hydrolysis? That knowledge is, unfortunately, beyond my pay grade. :lol: (One of my regrets is the fact that I cou...

Mike - do you exclusively use Osmocote's cacti fertilizer with a few other top dressings to supplement Ca/Mg? Do you know of any all-in-one water soluble solutions available in the US that are decent alternatives? Mike, I hope you won't mind if I answer question #2 for you... Generally speaking, gr...

Are you sure nitrate should be 2:1? I don't think that's accurate. I've seen a ton of cacti growers recommend Masterblend and it contains mostly Nitrate Nitrogen (no more than 15% ammonium). GeeBee even recommends a 80/20 ratio. A good description pulled from Reddit: From here : "Ammonium, the...

Gotcha! These plants are outside, do you think I should just leave them to the predatory insects and birds? See this: https://www.cactiguide.com/cactipests/#aphids Imidacloprid soil soaks are a highly effective long-term solution to problems with mealies and armored scale. Since aphids are sucking ...