growing medium

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by miraflores, Sep 19, 2019.

  1. miraflores

    miraflores Total Gardener

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    What can be used as a substitute for Perlite and Sphagnum as a growing medium?
     
    miraflores, Sep 19, 2019
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  2. ARMANDII

    ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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    I take it by that, Miraflores, you mean in pots and containers? I rarely use either unless I have a specific plant that needs it as a growing mediu. I normally use 5 parts General Purpose (Peat added) Compost, 3 parts coarse sand, and two parts grit...........works for me:dunno::heehee:
     
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    • Mike Allen

      Mike Allen Total Gardener

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      Perlite is used as a water retentive and aerater. Have you thought about using coir? There are many alternatives. What do you wish to grow?
       
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      • pete

        pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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        I've never used perlite, overpriced rubbish :biggrin:
         
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        • ARMANDII

          ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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          See!!, there you go again, pete, never saying what you think, always sitting on that fence.:wallbanging::dunno:
           
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          • CarolineL

            CarolineL Total Gardener

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            IMHO Perlite is great for some cuttings - they take very quickly in it. I used to use it in pots but found that it ended up near the surface and then washed off. Now I use grit - very cheap. I do use expanded white volcanic rock (like perlite but much bigger and heavier) as part of my orchid compost though.
             
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            • longk

              longk Total Gardener

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              What are you looking to grow?
               
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              • ricky101

                ricky101 Total Gardener

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                Also depends on what you are growing ?
                Sphagnum is often used in things like orchids where moisture retention is required.
                 
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                • miraflores

                  miraflores Total Gardener

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                  It would be for growing plants from seeds or rooting of cuttings.
                   
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