Heydite for Soil Mixes
ConroeJoe@aol.com (Sat, 01 Jan 2005 11:30:03 PST)

Hi Gang,

Are any of you using Heydite for growing bulbs? I started using it a year or
two ago for succulents and cacti, and really like it. This past year I
started using it in the mix I make up for germinating bulb seeds, especially seeds
of bulbs from dry areas (e.g., Sough Africa).

Heydite is often called porous shale, but I think it is shale that has been
baked and expanded (the way perlite expands). I like Heydite because it seems
to hold more moisture and air that is readily accessible to roots-but it
drains quickly in a mix of coarse sand, perlite, humus, etc.

I don't find much about Heydite on the Web. It seems to come in 2 sizes:
chunks about ½ inch across, and smaller pieces about the size of kitty litter.
I use the smaller size for seedlings, but other folks tell me the larger size
is perfect for plants in gallon cans.

It is durable and does not crush, a friend told me it is used on race tracks
at some high schools in this area (greater Houston, TX area).

I buy a large bag (about the size of a 20 lb. bag of perlite) for about
$16.00.

LINK: Photo of small bag of Heydite (small size particles).
http://www.growhere.com/growingmedium/heydite.htm

LINK: Expanded Shale Article (I think this is where Heydite comes from).
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/…
shale.html