(forwarded from the old list) From: Peter Taggart Date: 14/06/2017 09:20 Generally, in pots, bulbs from heavy soils are not so fussy about their compost. The moisture levels and air content are more important. A cover of grit or gravel on top of bulbs from arid areas will help stop the compost drying out and insulate from heat and dessication . Many Cyclamen, Juno Iris, and rhizomes of Oncocyclus Iris will grow well if sat on the surface of the compost, and covered in grit or gravel. In my climate; erratic rainfall means that dry climate bulbs are better under glass, but this can be too dry. I find that a little clay in the compost mixture helps to stabilise moisture and nutrient levels Organic matter will do the same but can promote rotting for plants from stony dessert environments. Normally I use very loose gritty compost and plant in deep pots. Plants such as Fritillaria lilliacea are planted very deep, and either watered a little in Summer, or shaded, to compensate for the compost being much lighter than the native clay. Without the extra watering or shading, grown in a light soil under glass, they desiccate. Peter (UK) -- David Pilling http://www.davidpilling.com/ _______________________________________________ pbs mailing list pbs@lists.pacificbulbsociety.net http://lists.pacificbulbsociety.net/cgi-bin/…