Thee most common question is "Ano ang soil mix ninyo?"
The answer, as it is in all aspects of gardening, is "Depende." (It depends).
Finding the right soil mix that works for you is important pero what works for one may not work for the other. I'll list down some common materials used for soil mixes, and hopefully from here, you can choose and mix your own ;) However, the first thing to know is the ID of your plant. Knowing the ID will help you in knowing how you can play around to make your own mix. The important thing to remember in general with CnS is they appreciate very good drainage but if you have too good of a drainage, the plant might not have been able to absorb the water by the time it dries up.
MINERAL
These are components that don't have humus or organic matter. The plants get their nutrients from the minerals dissolved in the components themselves. The following are considered mineral components for soil mixes (na common sa atin)
-PUMICE
most popular component. Made from a stone that is naturally filled with air bubbles making it light and fast-draining. Used to give superior drainage in mixes. Comes in different sizes, the bigger the size, the faster it drains.
-VERMICULITE
another popular component that could be a good substitute for pumice. However, vermiculite acts as a sponge holding in a little bit of water inside. A very good medium for seed starting as the moisture retention is excellent without making the soil soggy
-SCORIA (Lava rocks)
comes in variety of colors depending on the dissolved mineral content. Provides superior drainage as well like Pumice since it also has trapped air inside it but it is slightly more dense. Most common has high iron content making it red.
-MARBLE CHIPS
Usually used as the toppings on planters, it actually traps moisture beneath it and reflects light. It absorbs heat in the morning and radiates the heat at night. Could be a good topping for plants in colder areas.
-RIVER SAND/ SAND
a coarse mix of worn out rocks. Provides good drainage. Considered sometimes as coarse sand.
Do not use beach sand as this might have too much dissolved salt.
-SILT
the fine sand in rivers or bottom of ponds. Holds moisture and has a good mix of minerals.
-CLAY
soil that has the finest particles. Used to make clay pots. Has superior moisture holding capacity and is very compact. Red clay has a high Iron content. Some of the soils coming from Baguio has red clay. Akadama soil is a type of Clay found in Japan
-DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
Fossilized shells of diatoms from prehistoric times. This is used in mixes to provide a physical protection from ants as the microscopic shells wound ants.
ORGANIC
Materials coming from living organisms.
-HUMUS/COMPOST
most popular garden soil type which is usually a mixture of decayed plant and animal products. Excellent moisture retention and High nutrient content, mostly Nitrogen.
-VERMICOMPOST
similar to Humus but is a byrpoduct of earthworm turnings/castings.
-RICE HULL
provides good drainage and aeration but is very loose, however,it has little nutrient content as it has not decomposed.
-CARBONIZED PLANT MATERIAL
provides good drainage and aeration, has more easily accessible nutrient content than plain rice hull. High in Phosphorus and Magnesium. Usually is a common component of soi-less potting mixes.
-COCO PEAT/COIR
a nature-friendly substitute to Peat Moss. Has superior moisture retention and High Potassium Content.
-PEAT MOSS
harvested from swamp lands, this makes soil slightly acidic and provides superior moisture retention. It is however found, to be not environment-friendly. (CnS prefer slightly acidic soil)
A good mix includes components that provide drainage and moisture retention. The percentage should be based on your microclimate. If it is very humid in your area, a mixture with less moisture retention is better while if it is a very dry area, more moisture retention is needed.
Experiment with your own potting mix whether it be pure mineral or a mix.
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