Dye Floor Dry (DE) and pumice?

[Poink88]

What is wrong with just using Turface....? I know I have read that the good DE oil dry will retain a little more water but couldn't that be easily over come with just adding more organics in the mix.....? The first soil I mixed up I used the oil dry....I have since gotten Turface at about half the price. Should I go back to the oil dry stuff from Napa....?

Brian

Brian,

I use mostly Turface in my mix but found that it is not a good substrate on its own (it becomes water repellent once dried). While I will keep about 1/3 or it still in my mix, I plan to add lava, pumice, DE, and some organics from now on.

BTW, I use the Floor Dry (DE) from Napa...not Oil Dri. Very different products.

 

[Poink88]

I wonder if soaking your substrate in food products (coffee, berry mixture, etc) might lead to animals digging in the pots...Dario, you'll have to let us know!

I will but I am not using berries. I might try the coffee though. As long as it can change the white color, I will be happy.

 

[Wee]

I used the #8822...Not sure if said oil dry or floor dry but that was the part number that was suggested. I can't check the bag it's been gone. It has held up well so far.

Brian

 

[Poink88]

I used the #8822...Not sure if said oil dry or floor dry but that was the part number that was suggested. I can't check the bag it's been gone. It has held up well so far.

Brian

That is the DE = Floor Dry It is the good stuff.

 

[Wee]

How about making a tea from bloodmeal and then soaking the DE in it....? Or would that add to much of a fertilizer element to the mix....?

Brian

PS...Good to know I got something right anyway.

 

[RECLAIMEDBARNWOOD]

Brian,

I use mostly Turface in my mix but found that it is not a good substrate on its own (it becomes water repellent once dried). While I will keep about 1/3 or it still in my mix, I plan to add lava, pumice, DE, and some organics from now on.

BTW, I use the Floor Dry (DE) from Napa...not Oil Dri. Very different products.

Now I know why my ficus is not taking water like it was. I was thinking it was root bound but just repoted it this summer. I ended up pushing a wire in the soil to make holes every 1/2" all the way around to get the water down.

 

[lordy]

Now I know why my ficus is not taking water like it was. I was thinking it was root bound but just repoted it this summer. I ended up pushing a wire in the soil to make holes every 1/2" all the way around to get the water down.

I have a forest planted in a mix of turface and bark, and it is mounded up so water tends to run off. I mist the surface til it is all wet-looking (darker color). After a few minutes of letting that soak in, I can slowly pour water on top of the mound and it penetrates better. I know people dont like this idea, but if you were to put a very small amount of liquid dish soap into a watering can, and I am only talking a few drops per gallon, it should break the surface tension of the media so that water is allowed to penetrate rather than run off. Soap in small quantities is not really harmful to plants.

 

[wireme]

Occasionally on the web I see references to people using India ink (whatever that is?) to colour deadwood and top dressing materials, have you considered that?

 

[Poink88]

Occasionally on the web I see references to people using India ink (whatever that is?) to colour deadwood and top dressing materials, have you considered that?

I have not and it sounds like a good idea. Thanks!

 

[marc206]

If you are not sure about the chemical content of what ever you are thinking of using I would not do it. Many dies are salt based and toxic.

Im sure if you use an organic food coloring it would not be toxic to your trees. Food coloring is a petroleum by-product. Yes, petroleum. Definitely toxic to us and our trees.

 

[Anthony]

Should be interesting to see what the effects of soil, UV and other outdoor effects will have on organic materials.
Chances are if they contain a metallic colouring component, it will stain the stone's crevices etc.
Say Iron in genuine india ink ? or Iron in coffee?
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Poink88]

Back in my woodworking days...I use iron oxide to "ebonize" high tannin content woods. I can see this hobby interconnecting with that again (another full circle) LOL

Should be interesting to see what the effects of soil, UV and other outdoor effects will have on organic materials.
Chances are if they contain a metallic colouring component, it will stain the stone's crevices etc.
Say Iron in genuine india ink ? or Iron in coffee?
Good Day
Anthony

Anthony, see above (somewhat).

There is not much UV since the soil is buried, those that will be "bleached" can be easily re-buried by stirring the soil a bit. I am only after making the white disappear anyway...don't care if it is light gray or beige. Just don't want "snow white" in my soil.

 

[Anthony]

Dario,

with time even that white of perlite. and the gravel for building that is like an agate, silica bonded with calcium or other [ lots of microscopic pore spaces], will colour in soil, especially soil high in compost [ iron again.]

You could also just purchase a coloured attractive 3 mm river gravel, and leave about 5mm to 15 mm of the pot free, filling in with the river gravel.

Also tests your skill at watering, do not disturb the decorative layer.

We have a moss that handles, dry air, sunlight but not Antshrikes [ cute littlebirds that love to pull up moss and have New Year's parties, whilst doing it, just use the imagination.]
So it is easy to cover and shield the soil, looks like a lawn.
Good Day.
Anthony

 

[Poink88]

With TX heat (and I cannot put sunscreen fabric), I can't grow moss on my pots.

I am using my imagination...main reason why I am even considering coloring my substrate. Anyway, I think I have enough leads to try already. Thanks!

 

[lordy]

why dont you just spraypaint the stuff brown and black. Let it bake in your TX sun, or even on a cookie sheet in the oven. Once the vehicles have evaporated and dried, it should be fine.

 

[Poink88]

why dont you just spraypaint the stuff brown and black. Let it bake in your TX sun, or even on a cookie sheet in the oven. Once the vehicles have evaporated and dried, it should be fine.

...and destroy the (porous water retentive) qualities you need for you substrate.

 

[edprocoat]

Just sprinkle some aquarium gravel in your color of choice on the surface....


ed

 

[bonsaibp]

Dario
If you really need to change the color coffee is most likely the safest way to go. I've stained concrete lanterns with it and it has held up for years. Just make a super strong pot and pour it over your pumice etc. and let it sit a day or so.
A top dressing of some sort would be more traditional but you being you......

 

[Poink88]

Dario
If you really need to change the color coffee is most likely the safest way to go. I've stained concrete lanterns with it and it has held up for years. Just make a super strong pot and pour it over your pumice etc. and let it sit a day or so.
A top dressing of some sort would be more traditional but you being you......

Exactly. LOL Thanks!

I plan on doing that and actually dumping the grounds there too. I can remove them when I sift after. If any is left, it will be a welcome addition to the soil mix.