Perhaps this is of no interest to anyone on this forum. However, I've been very curious as to what was in the new soil that I used for my tropicals that were stunted, and now showing amazing growth. The organic soil I used had Mycorise in the soil.

My second job is working for a Garden Nursery where we did sell a product with Mycorise. However, I believed it to be a gimmick. After seeing the results I have to say I'm rather impressed.

In performing additional research it is stated that Mycorrhizal fungi naturally occurs in the soil if the levels of Organic Matter are high enouch and the temperatures are adequate. However, I have seen first hand the dramatic effects Mycorise has had on my tropical plants the past several months.

I'm curious what everyones thoughts are on the addition of Mycorrhizal fungi for our tropical fruit trees?

~Tj~

It might have been the peat - that sounds like a reliably acidic soil you had there. Especially with the wood fines.

Also, plants seem to love fish emulsion. Good choice there :)

Hi ladylotus. I wonder if the initial reason for the stunted growth was due to too much compost/peat resulting in poor drainage. Organic material tend to impede mater movement in containers. When you changed the soil mix, was drainage better?

I don't think that mycorrhizal fungi or other microbial systems can have such significant impact on your plants because their growth is so unreliable in container soil secondary to vast temperature fluctuations versus plants in the ground.

I had the same problem you did until I learned the science of container soil from this forum. Now I grow in a soiless medium and have found much success with my tropicals. If you haven't done so already, you might find the link below useful in answering your questions.

Here is a link that might be useful: Container soil and water movement

Ladylotus,
I inoculated all of my fruit trees with mycorrhizal fungi when I planted them in the ground but I do not know if it did anything or not.

I agree with wantonfly though about the lack of effect it would have on container plants. The main benefit of mycorrhizal fungi is that is helps with phosphorous intake but in a container the trees should be fertilized pretty well so I doubt it would need the fungi added.

You are both probably right. I did read through that post you sent a link for Wantonfly. It was very good and informative. It appears, using the wood fines, peat moss and perilite would have worked. But the addition of the compost is what made the soil heavy and perhaps not allowing enough drainage or areation in the root area.

Thank you for the link I may give that soiless mixture a try again, when my plants need repotting, minus the compost.

My Mangosteen plant has put on about an inch growth since I've repotted it. It seems my plants really like the change. I imagine the growth will be slowing soon. It's getting cold here now and I've already had to turn the heater on in my greenhouse. :(

Happy growing everyone.
~Tj~

Your welcome Tj. Just be prepared to water more often and have a rigorous fertilization program if you eventually decide to use a faster draining mix. However, you'll rest easier knowing that the roots and plants are happier all the time. :)