Brickza - there are some products in Europe that are the equivalent of Turface, but I'm unfamiliar with any in S Africa. You might start your search by looking into products made of calcined clay or calcined diatomaceous earth. Size of the product is very important and should be around 2.5-3.5 mm for best results.

A thorough understanding of the principles behind why the soil works so well will find you better able to adapt what is available to suit your needs, so if you have any questions ....

Al

Hi Al,

Thanks for the reply! I assume then that LECA/Hydroton won't do the trick? To they layman it seems like it is quite similar to the description of Turface, but then, plants still seem like magic to me :)

I spent some time searching online for calcinated clay in SA, but did not turn up much. I'll try calling some places tomorrow though. It would be helpful if you could tell me the names of the European products that are similar, since SA often tends to carry European rather than US product lines. If I know what to ask for at shops/suppliers I may have a chance!

Thanks
Neilen

Here is a link that might be useful: Growing media stocked by local hydroponics shop. Any good?

Try using the searchwords sepiolite, attapulgite, palygorskite, zeolite

The hydroton is all too large. The pumice would be quite good, if you can find it in that 2.5 - 3.5 mm size.

Al

Hey Al and Neilen

Im also from SA and joining in on the conversation!! I think I found a good substitute??? https://www.bonsaitree.co.za/products/bonsai-leca

Could this work?