Pumice size for succulent, potting and perennial containers
newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
9 months ago
last modified: 9 months ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (9)
Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
9 months agonewhostalady Z6 ON, Canada thanked Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
9 months agonewhostalady Z6 ON, Canada thanked tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)Related Discussions
Container gardening for the perennial lover
Comments (20)CMK - I use a purchased mix but it is very close in composition to Al's mixes. And I actually use a slightly different but much more barky mix for my trees, very similar to what many growing nurseries use for their container mixes. It holds up really well (even longer than the 5-1-1) and is slightly acidified, which is ideal for most trees and conifers, especially the Japanese maples. And I do have a camera on my phone but it is a stupid (as opposed to smart!) phone and I can only email them AFAIK. I am technically challenged at the best of times and as I do not have Internet at my house, I am reluctant to mess with my work computer for that......:-( But I'll see what I can manage going forward. prairiemoon - Yes, I sold that place and moved to never-never-land - a cottage on the beach (Puget Sound) with incredible views. Do I miss the old place? Not at all, although I do miss some of my plants, mostly the trees. It was a very complex garden with way too many plants and became much more work than I was inclined or able to manage. The containers are just enough now although I seem to keeping acquiring more plants and therefore more containers. It's an unshakable addiction!! One thing about fertilizing containers - since they contain no real "soil" (potting soil = soil-less mix) and minimal organic matter, they seldom support populations of soil organisms necessary to assimilate dry organic fertilizers......like Espoma products. Water soluble or liquid organics (like fish emulsion, seaweed, even compost tea) or any other water soluble fertilizer (Osmocote, MiracleGro) works much more efficiently. For a liquid fertilizer I use a product called Liquid Grow from Dyna Gro that contains a lot of trace elements necessary for good plant growth that many other fertilizers lack. With long-term container plantings the three things that must be dealt with carefully are the quality of the potting medium, fertilization (they rely on the gardener for everything) and proper watering. Because good drainage is so critical in containers, I find I can grow more marginal plants more easily. Although it can sometimes get pretty darn cold here in winter, it is not typical but a lot of wet is. And plants that often do not care for our winter rains in the ground seem to do just fine in a well drained container....See Moresize of grit, pumice, soil
Comments (7)If you are going to insist on using potting soil with your succulents then just use a little bit (no more than 20% by volume) with the pumice. I grow a lot of succulents and cacti in just pumice or just gravel. You don't need the potting soil. There are other ways to incresse moisture retention in inorganic container media such as adding a diatomaceous earth or a calcined clay fraction....See Morepumice pots and pot feet
Comments (7)An empty pumice pot with out feet. Personally I have a problem with built in pot feet on any type of pot that are to tall I preference and don't always favor using taller "feet" as they can be often be more unsteady during higher heavier winds and are easier pot tipping candidates when and if to tall or off aligned and or off center balanced. 3/4 inch feet on a 2.5 in. high fired bonsai dish Test feet ( and bottom lips) by a slight push down with an open palm firm but flexible move your palm in any and every direction to ensure the pot doesn't wobble. Even if no wobble one should consider high/strong winds if or when used outside although pot snugging will also help from high/stronger winds carry away. Agree pumice and any hand made pot may be a little out off on it'd price point for some folks but they are a worthy investment. Yet a pumice pot isn't always the ideal pot for every succulent in a modest/humble collection. I don't think any pumice pot(s) are to overly priced considering it's performance level and what they can do. They are also a little more hand crafted ( in a sense) also justifies a higher price point per pot. If you like it and you want it then buy it just keep in mind that no plant grows any better in a higher priced than it would in a lesser priced pot. The lack of a drainage hole ( in the pic seen provided by google images) isn't needed as pumice is porous enough to provide a very even and very gradual drainage Although a preference for drainage hole may be important to some it is't always centered on the bottom as one would like and usually aren't as big in size as one would expect. I would expect a higher price, personally I would pay 25.00-30.00 US for the pumice pot in pic and walk away smiling very happy if got it for less than 25.00...See MoreFavorite succulents / perennials for pots in sun
Comments (6)I have a lot of geraniums in pots that I grew from cuttings. They filled the pots fast, bloom often, and are tough. There's another plant I grew from cuttings but I don't know what it's called - the leaves seem like a succulent. The blooms are big and last forever. Very hardy. Also I have a huge oregano that loves being in a sunny spot in a container....See Morenewhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
9 months agotapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)
9 months agonewhostalady Z6 ON, Canada thanked tapla (mid-Michigan, USDA z5b-6a)Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
9 months agonewhostalady Z6 ON, Canada thanked Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
9 months agonewhostalady Z6 ON, Canada thanked Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6newhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
8 months agonewhostalady Z6 ON, Canada
8 months ago
Related Stories
CONTAINER GARDENSCactus and Succulent Containers Are Ideal for Hot, Sunny Spots
Bring on the sun with these heat-loving succulent container gardens
Full StoryCONTAINER GARDENS3 Steps to Creating Quick, Easy and Colorful Succulent Containers
Take a bright container, add a colorful succulent or two and have a professional, summery design in minutes
Full StoryFALL GARDENING12 Fabulous Fall Container Gardens
Celebrate the season with potted displays rich in color and texture
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES12 Stylish Ways to Plant Your Summer Container Gardens
Get ideas for what to grow in your summer planters, from blooming perennials to fruits and fabulous foliage
Full StoryCONTAINER GARDENSTrending Now: 10 Top New Outdoor Spaces That Win With Containers
A water garden bowl, succulent-filled wall boxes and meadow grass planters are just a few of the ideas to try
Full StorySUMMER GARDENINGHow to Water and Refresh Your Potted Plants Over the Summer
Keep container gardens looking lush by cooling them down when temperatures rise and by giving them a seasonal spruce-up
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDESHouzz Call: Show Us Your Summer Container Gardens
Share pictures of your summer flowers, succulents and edible plants. You might see your photo in a Houzz story
Full StoryGARDENING 101How to Choose the Right Plant Container
Keep plants healthy and container gardens looking good by beginning with the right pot size and shape
Full StoryMOST POPULAR12 Stunning Spring Container Gardens
Welcome the season with fragrant hyacinths, cheerful daffodils, potted pansies and sweet early strawberries
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES7 Ways to Get Your Container Garden Ready for Winter
Learn how to transition your fall pots to colder weather — and which plants to lose, keep or add
Full Story
newhostalady Z6 ON, CanadaOriginal Author