Hi Gang, I'm going to try styrofoam peanuts as a replacement for scorica (or pumice) in my agave soil mixes. If the styrofoam works for agaves I might try it for bulbs. I'm encouraged because of the good results that have been obtained with coir and other not-so-typical soil additives for agaves and cacti. I grow most of my plants in containers--it just works out for me because my yard is so low. I have water in the back portion for most of the winter and grow fantastic water irises, cattails, and Hymenocallis. The rest of the yard is 12 to 20 inches higher and containers provide the extra height I need. Though, clearly, raised beds might be a wonderful alternative. I use 5-, 10-, 20-, or even 30-gallon containers. One email commentator noted that using styrofoam peanuts in soil mixes "out to be against the law." I'm inclined to agree, at least from an aesthetic point of view. If agaves accept the peanuts I'll try large bulbs next (Crinum), and see what results I get. It is my hope that styrofoam peanuts provide the air pockets that I want in the soil, and do no harm. I don't think they will break down over the 3 to 10 year period I leave some agaves in pots. But, they may compact, or have other odd and unintended consequences. Time and experience will be my guide. In terms of cost, I'm happy with styrofoam peanuts. My company routinely saves about 30-50 gallons of the styrofoam peanuts per week, and then tosses them. So, they are free to me--this makes them very competitive from a cost point of view. It can be expensive filling up 20-gallon containers with special soil mixes--plant addict that I am. Who needs pumice anyway? Cordially, Conroe Joe (the styrofoam guy)