I have CHC, Perlite and Peat Moss. I'm going to transplant my citrus trees and want to know the best ratio to mix these. Unfortunately, I don't have as much CHC so I can't use it 100%.

I'm thinking of going with a third of each. Is there another ratio that would be better? Maybe 1/4 CHC, 1/4 Peat Moss and 1/2 Perlite? Or maybe even 1/2 CHC and 1/2 Perlite? What do you guys think would be the best ratio?

My trees are between 2-3 feet tall and I'm going to transplant them into 15 gallon Smart Pots.

I have a few containerized citrus trees that I planed into a CHC and 1/2-inch perlite 50:50 mix. The trees have done well, but the mixture needs constant watering, as that mixture dries out quite quickly. My favorite blend is 3 parts CHC and 1 part peat moss, or straight 1/4 inch CHC. I purchase all of my CHC from the Crystal Company of Saint Louis, MO. because they pre-wash and pre crush dry their product three times before it is sold. Members on this forum have posted, that CHC can also be purchased from local Pet Smart stores. - Millet (1,196-)

Update: I found some CHC at my local hydroponics store for a pretty good price so now I have enough for a 100% planting. But based on what you just said, should I use your ratio of 3:1 CHC/peat moss or go 100% CHC? Now that I don't have to skimp on my CHC I want to use what would work best. Thanks.

If your CHC is the 1/4 inch size, you can go 100 percent CHC. If the CHC is the 1/2 inch or larger size go with the 3:1 CHC peat. - Millet (1,196-)

I've been researching the best way to transplant a tree and I've seen differing accounts.

What if I used a hose with light pressure and washed off EVERY single bit of old soil and clipped off any circling roots. Would this be too harsh? How would I know when clipping off roots is too much root?

I've heard others say to keep the rootball intact. What's the best prevailing way to transplant a tree?

Depends how easy it is for the old medium to be removed, without causing a lot of root damage. If it can be easily removed, than by all means remove it, so that the root system can be completely transplanted into the new mix. However, if removing the older medium would cause excessive root damage, then it would be better to only remove the outer 1 or 2 inches. Exposing at least 1 or 2 inches of the root tips, helps the roots to grow into the new potting soil mix. Another method of removing the root ball medium is by soaking the entire root ball, and then plunging the root ball up and down in a large container of warm water. When removing the original medium, NEVER EVER be in a hurry. Take all the time needed, insuring that the roots tips do not dry out . - Millet (1,193-)

Thanks. Very good explanation. I'll show pictures when I'm all done.

What's the best way to tell when your plant needs a bigger pot? Should I pull it completely out of the one its in and look for roots at the edge and then put it back in if there are none?

zz

CHC = Coconut husk chips

I have my trees in the 3:1 chc peat moss mix and have had them in it since Aug. I noticed the other day that there is a small layer of CHC and then a layer of moss where the moss has gathered together. Is it supposed to do that? Is that a problem ? Is there something else I should be doing?