@codielane
codielane said:I've noticed on this thread that several (most) of you have your succulents in what looks like gravel. What kind of rocks are y'all using, and should I be doing this?
I always have a top dressing in my pots. I don't think it is essential but it has a few benefits
-its holds the soil layer down (this can be a big help if you have perlite in your mix, as it tends to navigate to the top of the pot by capillary action when watering)
-it stops the top soil splashing up the plant stems and leaves
-it prevents the top of the stem of the plant getting to wet and rotting (useful with aloes, the plant of which i have most)
-it just looks better (but i guess that's subjective
)
-it prevents little flys and gnats buzzing around the wet soil
negatives
-It can slow down evaporation at the surface layer of the soil
I am sure others can chip in with more
You can use any aggregate for the layer. I have used
-specific cactus dressing
-horticultural grit
-pumice
-lava rock
just make sure that what you are using will not leech anything you do not want into the soil. I personally avoid coloured rocks because i worry it will leech off into the soil and most of the time i think the crazy colours can detract from the beauty of the plant
Some products need a really good washing before use (lava rock for instance is horrible) it is best to get this dirt off or else the fine dust particles can clog up the soil
Steve
