Ocean Forest problems

[Bon Farling]

I’ve used it for years but despite everything I’m doing being the same as prior, for several months I’ve been unable to get plants past week four. It appears to be getting compacted in the root zone. Anyone else? I wonder if they’ve changed something. These are new bags.

 

[MooseTheGoose]

I’ve used it for years but despite everything I’m doing being the same as prior, for several months I’ve been unable to get plants past week four. It appears to be getting compacted in the root zone. Anyone else? I wonder if

Yeah everytime Ive use it it gets super compacted and hydrophobic on the top before everything drys out. I don't add extra perlite or anything tho. I'm gonna try Roots organic original on my next go of things and see if it makes a diffrence.

 

[go go kid]

I’ve used it for years but despite everything I’m doing being the same as prior, for several months I’ve been unable to get plants past week four. It appears to be getting compacted in the root zone. Anyone else? I wonder if they’ve changed something. These are new bags.

you want vermiculite, not pearlite , it retains moisture and keeps the soil aerated and wet

 

[. The Outdoorsman .]

Ocean forest already has too much perlite for what it cost IMO. "cant get past week 4" What happens then? Need pics and more info.

 

[alphapinene]

try roots organics Lush…peat based and pre amended, lasts 8 weeks water only..also try cutting with 15-25% 1/4-3/8” pumice instead of perlite as perlite loves to float to the top and cause compaction in the middle..pumice is heavier and has just as much nooks and crannies as perlite

 

[go go kid]

must say, roots organic is way better, more consistant

 

[MooseTheGoose]

must say, roots organic is way better, more consistant

That's good to know. I recently started using their terp tea line for nutrients and have been impressed so far. Figured I'd give their soil a try.

 

[Smokenpassout]

I usually come in every week and break up the top 2-4 inches of soil with fingers before watering in. Also a great time to top dress in some castings now and then. As plant gets bigger youll start to disturb very top of root system doing this, so be gentle, girls don’t seem to mind and continue vigorous growth. Over the years I have discontinued OF and moved to HF with at least 30 percent added perlite. Now I’m moving to all Coco next.

 

[Fladawg01]

Add a little yucca extract to your water, like a table spoon to 1 G of water at first. It will act like a surfactant and allow the soil to moisten quicker. I add perlite to any soil I use, juts makes it much airier. Vermiculite is good but does hold water and is heavier.