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Old 08-22-2013, 06:48 AM   #32
Wylie's Mom
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 35,889
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Originally Posted by kjc View Post
Here it is: Amazon.com: BestDealUSA 3in1 Plant Flowers Soil Tester Moisture Light PH Meter: Patio, Lawn & Garden

Most plants I have bought have come planted in soil that contains a lot of peat, which holds way too much water. I started this summer with a few from Walmart, and they all had root rot from being too wet, although they looked great at the time, lol. It seems that growers are using peat alone to root cuttings though.

After a few days of researching online, I unpotted everything, took cuttings from plants that couldn't be saved, and started making my own soil. Cactus/ Succulent soil is bad too, but I use it or a potting mix and add at least the same amount of pearlite, builders sand, and crushed granite or pumice ( see: Pumice FOR Cactus Succulent AND Bonsai Tree Soil MIX 2 GAL | eBay ) and some Orchid bark or Repti Bark (for pet reptiles). Some soil recipes also add charcoal (like for aquarium fish filters). I aim for the soil mix to look like this: Euphorbia Hybrid Guillemetii Cacti Cactus Succulent 1338 | eBay then I top-dress the pots with decorative stone.



Do you have the link for the ones you bought on Ebay? I got my order from MCG and Home Depot today! I'll take pics and post them tomorrow.

I am also planting most everything in clay pots then putting that in a decorative pot. Good drainage is so important.

Happy Planting!
I like that plant probe - that's just like mine except mine doesn't have the pH stick - going to buy the one you use, so thank you .

Here is the link to the ones I bought on ebay: Sempervivum Baker'S Dozen Special 13 Plants Plants Free Shipping | eBay

I'll take a pic when I get them so you can see what they actually look like in person. I hope I get a nice selection.

I've gotta figure out the soil thing bc the soil I have is going to be too 'wet' for succulents. I'll see if I can find some of the soil additives you suggest.

Didja make your hypertufa yet?
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