Peat-perlite mixes are great for most things. Look for one that doesn't
become soggy and heavy when watered--it should be wet but have plenty of
air spaces. Cacti prefer something with better aeration, something usually
heavy on the sand/gravel.
You can sterilize soil yourself in an autoclave, but it stinks to high heaven.
You can e-mail me for brand recommendations.
M. Reed
Texas A&M
>My students and I are in midst of annual repotting of our
collection.>We use a soil-based mix but are finding it increasingly difficult
-->and expensive -- to find sterilized soil.
>I've seen a lot of soil-less mixes in the greenhouse/horticultural
>supply catalogs. I was wondering what peoples experiences have been
>with these mixes for tropicals? temperates? succulents and cacti?
>ferns?
>Thanks,
>Charles Umbanhowar
>Dept of Biology
>St. Olaf College
>Northfield, MN 55057
>ceumb at stolaf.edu>507-646-3397
