I forgot to mention that "TURFACE-MVP" is a fired, calcined clay product that can be used to absorb oil spills, and to soak up standing water puddles. The tiny granules act as a wick. It looks like kitty litter. Water drains right through it, and it feels like a damp, clay flower pot, when handled. It really only supports the plant's roots, and all nutrition must be provided.

A similar product is sold at NAPA AUTO PARTS / Floor-Dry Compound PN 8822

Frank

fake/Pagan-

Thanks for the quick answers and the provisos/warnings regarding the use of Turface as a growing medium.

So...Handle with Care. Got it.

Frank

I was using the Turface. Definitely needs to be sifted to get out the fines. Stopped using as the supplier stopped selling it close by. I am experimenting with the Diatomite which is sold as Floor dry here. It is a naturally derived product and works similar to Turface. Still needs to be sifted.

Rick

Hi pagan/ Rick

do you use turface without pine bark?

roger

Roger, I use Coconut coir chunks/husks. They wet easier than bark, but at the same time allow good aeration to the mix.

Rick

I've used turface as a component of my gritty mix, as I'm sure many other users here have. 1:1:1 crushed granite, sifted turface, and unsifted reptibark.

Well Rick I was in hope someone had used it without bark.coconut coir is harder to come by than bark in my area. The bark runs about $25.00 a bag makes grittie mix costly but may have to keep buying it .hay Pagan did you say you have used it without bark?

roger

Yep! I have and I still am---I don't repot my succulents often. I also still have haworthia leaves rooting in turface. My dorstenias are in it too. Just remember not to use soft plastic pots. And if you use clay or terracota pots, add more holes. If it dries too fast, then and only then do I use topdressing (for this I use chicken grit because I like how it looks).

Lastly, definitely sift. And feed regularly since that stuff is inert and inorganic.

Pagan

Thanks Pagan I can get ridge pots cheaper than bark I'm going to try it do you use bug screen to sift or something larger

roger

I use insect screen---just make a shallow box frame (1x3 is what I used, screwed in the butt joints together) and staple the screen onto it. I sift every time I need to.

for gritty: i just spread my screen over my wheelbarrow and sift away … great for larger batches … then i put it in those monster cattle mineral/feeder barrels with plenty of holes drilled in the bottom. Only have to do it 3 or 4 times a summer ...

Anyone using just straight, 100% Turface/calcined clay... for seed sowing/growing?

Frank

I did that too lol They germinate as usual. Then I had to move them out of it because seedlings do not have the root mass to hold that loose stuff together.

If you use unsifted turface with the powdery bits still in it, it might work better.

Pagan

Addendum:

I knew I had this pic somewhere. This was after a short burst of rain in September 2013 (according to the timestamp). It rained again the following day and four of them were actually out of the tray.

No, it will just take longer for it to germinate. If you want to use turface for sowing, just use a rigid pot. You'll also have to fertilize early since this substrate is inorganic. By early, I mean shortly after the first pair of two leaves.