k asked about my potting mix.
This is what I use for succulents, and a little less of the compost (like 1/4 in the mix) for actual cactus.
So here 'tis k, and yes, I make my own, usually. Whatever I have on hand, compost, ready mix for any flowering plant, even this African violet one, that is actually for all flowering potted plants. It's really not the most important part of the mix since it forms less than half, more like a third.
Then there is pumice which makes up the rest. So, two thirds crushed pumice, one third potting soil, compost or mix. I used to use sand but it's not very good, and actually not recommended anymore. You can use vermiculite which I once did, but it breaks down too fast- meaning within a couple of years. The red crushed lava rock is just a top dressing.
I mix enough to fit into this old stainless steel bowl, re-purposed from silver casting, dampening the mix enough to give a little moisture to the new roots. You don't want those thin little red (or white) exploritory roots to be set in soggy soils.
These babies are so forgiving. The trick is to not over water, nor to let them stress from too little. I mist them, in our hot dry summers, about every third day, deep water about twice a month. They're pretty hardy.
This is what I use for succulents, and a little less of the compost (like 1/4 in the mix) for actual cactus.
So here 'tis k, and yes, I make my own, usually. Whatever I have on hand, compost, ready mix for any flowering plant, even this African violet one, that is actually for all flowering potted plants. It's really not the most important part of the mix since it forms less than half, more like a third.
Then there is pumice which makes up the rest. So, two thirds crushed pumice, one third potting soil, compost or mix. I used to use sand but it's not very good, and actually not recommended anymore. You can use vermiculite which I once did, but it breaks down too fast- meaning within a couple of years. The red crushed lava rock is just a top dressing.
I mix enough to fit into this old stainless steel bowl, re-purposed from silver casting, dampening the mix enough to give a little moisture to the new roots. You don't want those thin little red (or white) exploritory roots to be set in soggy soils.
These babies are so forgiving. The trick is to not over water, nor to let them stress from too little. I mist them, in our hot dry summers, about every third day, deep water about twice a month. They're pretty hardy.
Knitting Report:
I am to the toe on the Tosh sock. It's hard going from here because you do NOT want the toe to come out too short. Thinking of this, I looked up the measurements for shoe sizes on Zappos.com. I think that if I just make the foot a little shorter and the toe the same length, this all may work out very well. Fingers, and toes, crossed on this thing.
No comments:
Post a Comment
I’m going through some stuff but I will peek in now and then and will be back when it’s over..