Growing conditions forum: Oyster shells
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| Often I read that certain varieties need oyster shells to be mixed with the media. I have several questions,can not find answers elsewhere. How much do you add, say for a 4-6 inch pot ? What does it do? Do you crush it or just add a few whole shells ? Does the plant look different (? leaves ) if not added. And lastly,where do you get it? Any particular brand? Thanks. |
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| Here's a thread about lime: http://cubits.org/Hoya/thread/view/63673/ I mix about a half a cup of finely crushed oyster shells to a huge bin of soil mix (like two five gallon buckets worth). YMMV |
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| The first place I would start is a soil analysis for the pH. Ted Green advises oyster shell (or sweetener) for Eriostemmas...but I don't add it and I don't need it. David Liddle once said he found all hoyas growing in a slightly acid environment (he sampled the pH from every collection area) of between 5.5 and 6.5. Your water (if not using just rain water) should be tested also and should be set out so chemicals can flash off. IMHO  Leap. The net will appear. |
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| Thanks for the responses.Just want to understand this issue better. A friend of mine adds eggshells and tea leaves to his container roses and his roses grow great but there are lots of flies too!! In Northern USA, soil tends to be more acidic and also in jungles due to all the fallen leaves branches,it is acidic. Florida soil is often alkaline and there are many things that will not grow well here,for that reason. I do not amend soil much except dumping compost because eventually it is impossible to change pH of large area and maintain it. So,I go with the nature. But Hoyas are grown in pots, with potting soil which is not alkaline. And I add some compost in there too. Still do not understand adding shells makes any difference. Those who do add it,is it just as a precaution against potential problems(prophylactic)? So what I am really asking is- did anyone see improvement in their plants by adding oyster shells? |
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