Luis wrote, >1. Is it OK to ask horticultural questions about "non-bulbs"? In my opinion, it's best to stay with bulbs. There are other forums for other kinds of plants. >2. I realize that potting soils should be tailored to each >individual species. I don't like using "pre-fertilized" mixes which >are so prevalent these days. I have a large bag of Kellogg's mix >which is organic forest products (not too chunky) along with worm >casings and guano. I also have a large bag of horticultural sand. >Since most of my bulbs will be planted in the fall (due to where I >live), I am concentrating on succulents and other plants right >now. I will have many bulb questions in the fall! What ratio of the >above ingredients should I use for your average bulb in a pot? Your >average succulent? The recommendation for tailoring potting mixes to species is exaggerated. Very few growers actually do it. I think all you have to do is ensure that your soil has appropriate drainage and nutrients. When I was growing my bulbs in pots, I used the same mixture for almost all of the more than 1200 species. Admittedly, these are all "Mediterranean" cycle bulbs that are summer-dormant -- I don't grow subtropicals or plants such as Hippeastrum and Crinum. Now my collection is entirely in the same soil (pure sharp sand over a layer of loam, nutrients from soluble fertilizer), except for those growing in the garden or rock garden -- and the last, as well as part of the lawn, are populated by a completely random assortment of extras, often in a situation far from what one would expect them to enjoy based on their native habitat. Without knowing what Luis is growing, I could not evaluate his soil product, but "organic forest products" usually means composted ground bark, which I would not put in a soil for summer-dormant species, though apparently it is fine for Lilium, Eucomis, and other summer growers. Also, worm castings are bad for drainage, but if Luis is growing plants that like wet, warm conditions, they might be OK. Jane McGary Portland, oregon, USA