I have read many threads that discuss the benefits of using crushed coral in the bottom of planters.
So, here is a stupid question:
If one does not have access to crushed coral, is it possible to crush non-oyster calcium vitamin tablets and add that to the plant food when watering? Or, would there be an absorption issue? I was curious because I see people adding vitamins (i.e. superthrive, etc.) to their food mixes and am wondering if there is really any difference between human vitamins and those found in horticulture products.
Whadd'yall think??
Ann
Calcium Question
You can use dolomite lime or crush up some eggshells, put them in water and water with that. The water gets really smelly if you keep it around very long though.
Sandy
Hmmmm. It is really only the Eriostemmas (cv. Monette is one) that some people suggest crushed coral added at the bottom of the pot. It is the most easily accessible form available to the plant. We use gypsum (calcium) and epsom salts (magnesium) out in the gardens when we plant and my Brugmansias gobble that up. Before added lime or calcium...I would test the pH first...I have been told that hoyas like it slightly on the acid side....
Or toss 'em a bone now and again...it's good for their teeth, too!! LOL
Ahhhh, silly me... So, the only Hoya's that need the extra calcium "uumph" are the Eriostemmas. Thanks Carol!
I hope this question has not been asked before on another recent thread. If it has, I'm sorry.
Most of the oh so fabulous plants I have gotten from Carol are in a fast-draining soil that looks like it has lots of perlite, orchid bark, etc., and dries out very quickly. But the H. heuschkeliana Pink is in a fast-draining soil that looks like it is made up of black lava and really black dirt.
Ok, all of that to get to the question:
Are there certain Hoyas (besides Eriostemmas) that require different types of soil? Or, is it just a matter of one type of soil was what you had on hand at a given time. (gawd I hope this question made sense and hasn't been gone over before...)
Thanks to anyone who answers...
Ann
Most of my hoyas are at a point of needing potting UP...and there is not much soil left in the pots as they are taken over by the roots, so they don't hold the moisture. I am faced with either pruning the roots or going up a size. When I add new mix...I use the same mix of orchid bark or coir/large perlite/black cinder and peat moss. Now for my plants that live outdoors in the rain...(I don't want their footsies wet all the time) I use VERY little peatmoss. For those in the GH I use an equal part peatmoss/coir 'dust' - the coir does not dry out so quickly and rewets immediately whereas the peatmoss dries and is the devil to get to rewet...the combination seems to help keep a balance. Am I making sense? Tropicals seem to grow in the same conditions: lots of water, heat and fast draining soil Like orchids, most hoya are epiphytic. For the water lovers like H. lacunosa, H. heuschkeliana etc., I use even MORE peatmoss/coir so that there is more moisture retained but it still drains very quickly with the chunky stuff.
But my conditions are unique to here. Folks like Mel, Awanda, Dianne and Mark - who all grow tons of plants inside and under different conditions will have other thoughts. OH, check this out,Ann...David grows the MOST incredible collection inside...in Boston. Brrrr.
https://www.bigislandgrowers.com/ghp/AHmiszk.php
Toodles
Thanks, Carol. Yes you made sense. Meanwhile, I have the hots for David's plants!! I am such a tramp.
ann
Man, he has great looking hoyas, doesn't he?
I am a bit confused on how he waters. He states never to use a saucer underneth, and indeed it doesn't look like he has any drip catching means on any of his plants. However, if they are in the house, how does it not make a mess????
Marcy
Plastic drop cloths? Good question. I know he lurks here when he isn't 'cheffing'...maybe he will answer.....
Ann,
I used to mix different formulations of soil for different Hoyas and have tried everything from lava rock to choir in my mixes.
Now, I am using only Fafard # 3 (it has around 40% bark chips) and on occasion, add perlite. I have had better luck with this prepared mix than anything I have used to date. Pro Mix BX is my second favorite.
Thanks meltn!
Ann
Mel is your Fafard #3 or #B-3, or are they both the same? I have some friends that will be traveling though your part of the country and will be picking up a couple of bags for me:-).
Blessings,
Awanda
I just double checked the bag, Awanda. It just says 3 and the side says 3 MIX. I wish you were coming with your friends!!!
I used to use a formulation called Fafard 3B, but, this one has more bark and I like it better.