Johannian said: Hey Nikki,
I believe @FPF uses pumice for some of her semps, and it works. Either way, you need something to prevent the delicate skin of the sempervivums from touching the soil, and perlite, pumice, chicken grit, etc. are all good options.
FPF said: Hi, and welcome!
I actually don't use pumice because it's not readily available here since the closest volcano, Yellowstone, is quite a drive from Kentucky and isn't really known for its pumice, anyway.
I'm still experimenting with my growing medium, and have used LECA clay, most recently, in hopes that it's an acceptable substitute.
valleylynn said: Hi Katy. Have you been growing semps in NM?
Gold Nugget certainly is a pretty semp with unusual coloring.
SoCalLakeLife said: @johannian I originally had small white rocks but read it retains the moisture so I removed them all. I do have pumice i can put on top under the plants and I also have the small white rocks. Will either of this work an not retain water?Well it depends on where you live, as far as moisture retention. Local conditions are going to be different when you ask for advice from anyone. In my location (the Dust Belt, New Mexico, in a years long drought), I actually want some retention, as well as some shading from direct sun during parts of the year. That is why I have them in pots-- so I can push pull or wheel them around as needed. (Light media like perlite is great for this). Actually last winter (first year I had them) I lost more than I care to admit because the combination of cold and dryness was also a killer. I am thinking of putting them in some kind of cold frame in the winter. However, the other sedums which are not evergreen all lived through it. So how do your conditions vary from the conditions they are genetically inclined to live in (Europe) is the better thought path to go on.