I was surprised to see
that "potassium polyacrylate polyacrylamide copolymer" had so few matches during
a web search on google.com (found only 74 matches on 6/1/2002). I also found 0
matches when I added "salvia divinorum" to the above 4 search words. Had
no one tried using this product growing salvia divinorum before? Odd, as this seems
like an ideal solution to Salvia divinorum watering woes. Well, I'll just
have to do something about that... ;-)
One thing that this product can really assist with is to help retain and maintain a potted
plants level of moisture. It is like an in-the-soil water management system.
This would be ideal for young plant's that will be subsequently shipped through the mail
or other delivery service. To send along daily waterings while the plant is in
transit, a small amount of potassium polyacrylate/polyacrylamide copolymer can be added to
the potting soil mix before planting the pre-rooted cutting. All it takes is a small
amount.
This will permit plenty of extra water to be added to the pot before shipping, and it will
be absorb and retain for use while in transit. Moisture is released as the soil
dries, and thus you won't have to worry about sending a leaky package through the mail,
nor worry about sending a dry potted plant either. Great stuff!!!
It also helps to reduce the risks associated with over watering, which can lead to root
rot, because that stuff will absorb the excess water super quick (usually within an hour).
When you mix this stuff with your soil, you won't have to water as frequently
either. Also, as this product expands and contracts, as it absorbs and releases
moisture, that action will help to keep the soil loose and airy so that more oxygen and
nutrients can find their way to the roots. The stuff also lasts for 5 years (or so I
hear).
But if you do use it as a mix with your salvia plant soil, I would highly recommend
watering with distilled or rain water. Because this stuff absorbs excess water, and
does so very quickly, you won't be able to so "easily" wash the soil in your
pots by drenching them occasionally (to leach off any salts and/or other chemicals found
in tap water). But on the other hand, you won't be leaching nutrients either - so
the less you'll have to feed it. I would also only mix this product into the lower
3/4th portion of the soil in your pot.
I used this stuff recently in one 8" test pot, and the plant is doing great. Also,
the last time I watered that plant was 19 days ago, and there's still moisture in the
soil, but I'll probably need to water it today to keep the plant perfect looking, but it
could probably go a few more days before the soil really needs watering again.
Oh, BTW, this is the same stuff you'll find in those super absorbent diapers... Pamper
your plants! ;-)
I kid you not, this stuff looks like it was specifically designed to solve Sally's
watering woes. The roots grow right into this stuff too. An inexpensive
in-the-soil water management system, non-toxic, environmentally safe, biodegradable, and
even takes care of watering while a plant is in transit (it's like sending along
encapsulated raindrops), or while you're on vacation for the week.
One note of caution: I've not used this product long enough yet
myself to know exactly how much is too much. I can imagine that if too much is used,
the soil would never have a chance to dry out between waterings, and that could lead to
root rot. Additionally, this product should only be mixed into the lower portion of
the soil in a pot, and watered from the bottom (i.e. placing your pot into a pan of water
for 15 minutes to draw the water up from the bottom, or use one of those self watering
pots). If mixed into the top soil, too much moisture retention at the top can cause
the roots to grow upwards, rather downwards and deep into the soil. Right now I'm
using 1/2 a teaspoon of the granules mixed into the lower 2/3rds of a soil/perlite mix in
an 8" self (bottom) watering pot. I will post more information as my testing
continues.
For more info:
http://www.stockosorb.com/
BTW, you can now buy this stuff at Wal-Mart too, under the Schultz brand, called
"Moisture Plus". (better get there before it's temporarily out of stock - it
works that good). |
