Dear Lynn, I, like you, also enjoy the group immensely and have learned so very much due to the scope of knowledge of everyone and their willingness to share. And I want to thank you for your contributions to the BX. I have several of your donations and they are all doing well - Habranthus, Hippeastrums, etc. Their good health attests to your horticultural skill! Best, Pamela Slate Carefree AZ -----Original Message----- From: pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org [mailto:pbs-bounces@lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of VicM Sent: Tuesday, December 30, 2008 2:17 PM To: pbs@lists.ibiblio.org Subject: [pbs] Growing in coir I am far from an expert, but two years ago I began using coir for most of my new plants. I was having a lot of trouble with bulbs rotting. Peat based composts disintegrate very quickly in my hot and humid weather...and bark is not much better. Grit is not readily available here (crushed sea shells are used as a substitute.) It worked well on my orchids and gesneriads so I decided to try it on the bulbs. I have been very pleased with the results so far. My experience has been the same as Tom. The root growth is excellent... much better than any other medium I have tried. It does not pack and there is good air exchange. It does not get sodden, even with all our summer rain. The only problem I have had so far is moss on some of my large troughs during rainy season. During our dry season the tops of the troughs dry out and the moss dies. I have not had this with pots. I use a slow release fertilizer (with minors) and some epsom salts once or twice a year. We are low on magnesium. I find that mixing perlite or pumice with the coir is even better and I have begun using that on some succulents. The secret to growing with coir is to use a very good grade. It's expensive but worth it as the coir does not have to be replaced as often as peat or bark. I purchase mine from a hydroponic store...even then...I leach it with water several times before using it. Even my South African bulbs seem to like it. This is their first year in it so I will have to see how the mix re-wets next fall. Regards to all. I really enjoy being part of this wonderful group. Lynn Makela Tampa, Florida _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.ibiblio.org http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/list.php http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/ No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com/ Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.1/1869 - Release Date: 12/30/2008 12:06 PM