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Kitty Litter Soil? 6 years 10 months ago #33108

  • MajorGoob
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So after my first attempt at bonsai failed thanks to the clueless employees at the nursery I got it from, I decided to start from scratch myself to give me full control over every aspect of it. I live in Central Florida and will be growing outdoors. I will be growing a Crepe Myrtle because 1) They are everywhere in Florida, 2) they grow extremely fast and love to be heavily pruned, and 3) they have nice little flowers and leaves. My issue is that being about as far as you can get from Japan, Akadama is STUPIDLY expensive here. I read that Tesco or Sophisticat cat litter is a great substitute in the UK, but that in America we use too many chemicals. The closest I found was Petsmart Grreat choice Classic Clay cat litter. Would this work ok? Or should I try and find some oildri/turface type stuff?

The cat litter I found: Grreat Choice Classic Clay

EDIT: It does come in unscented but they don't have it online as far as I can tell.

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Last edit: Post by MajorGoob.

Kitty Litter Soil? 6 years 10 months ago #33110

  • Clicio
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Hi;
I've been using cat litter in my substrate mix with great results (see picture attached with the brand I use).
You can find very good info about this subject in this link:
bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basicscatlitter.htm

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Kitty Litter Soil? 5 years 8 months ago #42760

  • ARBonsai
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What ratios do you recommend the mix to be? I am in zone 7/8 and have been spending a fortune on premixed soil. I'd like to start making my own. I am getting to a point where my seed trays will need to be potted. I have been using soil disks of peat to germinate. Should I incorporate any into the new mix? Thank you so much for any assistance or advise!!
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Kitty Litter Soil? 5 years 8 months ago #42761

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What ratios do you recommend the mix


Hi, first I would recommend you reading
THIS LINK;

I use the DE (cat litter) as 20% of my mix, that also includes fired clay, Akadama, chopped pinus bark +coal, and coarse sand, all sifted 4~6mm.
DE can be very water retentive, so watch out for overwatering.
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Last edit: Post by Clicio.

Kitty Litter Soil? 5 years 8 months ago #42763

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Thank you very much for the response and article! I believe the brand you use is readily available in my area.

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