One of the potential problems with CHCs is they do take some time to absorb water as they are watered and with the large air spaces the container drains very quickly. I believe the reason for adding the peat moss to the mixture is to slow down the container drain rate. The air root pruning containers can make the problem worse since there are so many places where the water can drain out quickly. CHCs that have not had some amount of crushing during preparation for planting may have an even slower absorption rate.

Mark,
How are you watering your trees? Millet has often suggested putting the entire container in a tub of water for a period of time to give the CHCs time to absorb the water.

I'm using a hose unless I apply liquid fertilizer and I totally drench the tree.

One possible idea I just thought of. After you have watered your trees like you normally do and let them drain, dig down a little ways into one of the containers and pull a few CHC pieces out. Cut them in half or squeeze them and see how much water is inside. They should be like little sponges saturated with water.

jrb is exactly correct. I purchase CHC *ONLY* from the Crystal Company of Saint Louis, MO. for two reasons. !). They rinse their chips, then compressed them under high pressure three separate times. The crushing puts hundreds of fissures throughout the chips giving them an openness, which allows the chip to become saturated almost instantly. Due to their openness, the roots grow right through the body of the chips itself, instead hitting the chip's surface and growing around their perimeter. This penetrating type of growth really promotes the chips watering ability of the root system. Without the three crushings, the structure of the chips would retain the same hardness of a coconut shell, making them very difficult to saturate. 2). The three rinses and three high pressure squeezings also removes a great deal of the soluble salts inherent with coconuts. With Crystal Companies CHC I have long ago discontinued rinsing the chips when I receive them. I just give them a 5 minute soak in a Calcium Nitrate and Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts), then use them.

To answer Mark's question: Our local Ace Hardware had a good price on Miracle Grow potting soil in the 2 sq. ft. green and yellow bags. I purchased 10 bags. Used by itself, Miracle Grow potting soil is not a good product, as it readily compacts, thus driving out a lot of the oxygen.I have also found it tends to develop a top crust layer. However, when mixed with CHC, or other extra coarse ingredients, it seems to be fine. After all Miracle Grow potting soil is mainly peat moss anyway, with some wood fiber mixed in. It also contains a slow release fertilizer, and a wetting agent. It is too soon to know for sure, but it might be better than straight peat moss when used as a blend. Everyone that I have ever come in contact with normally either uses a 4:1 or a 3:1 chip/peat blend. I have never tried something like 3:2 or even a 3:3 blend, it might be worth an experiment ???? Whatever, wishing you the best. You have long been a valuable member of this forum. I have very much enjoyed reading your postings. - Millet (717-)

To answer jrb's question, yes the CHC is soaked and acting exactly like a sponge, which is why I was wasn't watering much at times. Less than an inch or so down and all the chips are filled with water. This made the issue a little more puzzling. They are soaking up water. If the problem is the mix, I'm almost positive it's because it's too porous and the roots don't have anything to anchor to, if that makes sense.

Millet, please let know how the MG regular potting mix works, because the extra material in it might provide a little "tighter" blend, that at least in my case, may work better. I do have extreme heat here and constantly low humidity. I don't want to go back to soley bagged medium. I hated it, but water is precious here as well.

The first Miracle grow that I used with the CHC was about last September or early October. So far so good. I would use it again. - Millet (717-)

Millet I have both CHC and some of my own mix soil (cactus + 50% perlite) and both are doing well but I found this , and I consider a cheaper type of soil

""""The soil for citrus growing medium is suitable for planting and growing room (greenhouse) citrus plants. Soil is made from a mixture of high-quality transitional and fen peat , compost made from shredded finely graded pine and spruce bark, finely graded river sand and silica mineral compound fertilizers with trace elements.
Advantages:
It guarantees a good and healthy growth. It helps to deploy rich flowers and good fruits of development. Ingredients of the product ensures the creation of rich root system and its airing.

Scope and method of use:
At the bottom pour pot adequate layer of soil. After potting soil to fill in the required level under the edge of the pot. After rooting regularly fertilize with special compound fertilizer for citrus. Keep watering regime. For the vinaigrette enjoy soft water. Water with higher content of calcium compounds may adversely affect the good plant growth. """' google translate




Is it good for citruses , should I add some more perlite to get more air ?

I can't answer your question, as I have never seen nor used the product you show. There is no perlite in the ingredients that you list. Addition of some perlite would increase the drainage and aeration. You will just have to test it and determine what to do. - Millet (716-)

We are about to get another cold spell for a few days. Lows to 31 at night. It was just starting to warm up. So I'm going to have to wait a few more weeks to see if cold is part of my problem.

Sylvain, thank you for the Air-pot link, as it turns out I have seen them before. I did not realize what you were writing about when you said they were cone shaped. They are round, not cone shaped. Air-pots are almost exactly the same as Air Root Pruning Containers (ARPC). A-pot's manufacture just copied RootMakers product. I have a lot of trees growing in CHC in those kind of pots, all the way from 5-gal. (20-l) up to 36" X 32" (basically 1m X 1m). ARPC come in 100-foot rolls, and either 18" or 36" tall. - Millet (715-)

Awesome, another week of horrible temps, projected lows of 27,25 and 29 degrees on Tues, Wed,Thurs. I'll be lugging everything into the garage again.

Mark, those temperatures aren't all that bad. Come here to Colorado, the next two days are to be quite cold, and is supposed to get down to -20F (-29C) Another good Colorado winter. - Millet (715-)