75% are in bark, hydroton and peat mix.
20% are in 75% perlite, 25% bark
5% are in semi-hydro pots in hydroton.

Verdict still out on the semi-hydro-- but the hippi and African Violets in these pots are doing extremely well!

The 20% in the perlite are doing exceptionally well.

The rest in the hydroton bark and peat mix are mediocre at best.

Depending on the semi-hydro experiment, I may be switching all over to the hydroton.

Hope that wasn't too long!

Ryan

I use tapla's 5-1-1 mix, Jodi has linked to it several times. This is a container mix and is probably wetter than these bonsai mixes but does drain nicely. I've used this a few years and like it. I'm quite lazy with the watering so I've not had probs with rot.

I am getting happier with my mix of common stuff, and haven't lost anything planted in it yet! (started with seedlings and some young bulbs this spring).

Mine has more potting soil that Jodi's, but again, those photos of roots on my 4-, 7-, and 14-month bulbs don't lie!!

Approximately:
10 scoops Miracle Grow potting soil
5 scoops coarse sang
3 scoops perlite
2 scoops decomposed granit
______
now adding 2 scoops charcoal and may add 2 scoops of small lava rock (really little...) almost like more perlite I guess. So as I increase the inorganic, the proportion of organic becomes less. Again, the roots don't lie!
{{gwi:429745}}
K

When thinking about what medium type to use, we must consider a few things carefully...

1. Our individual environment... our general climate and the environment we grow in.

2. Our level of devotion... how much time we can offer to caring for our bulbs and plants.

3. Availability and cost... what types of medium ingredients can we obtain locally, and at what prices.

Considering all these things will help us to choose what will work optimally for our situation. Of course, any ingredient can be ordered online these days, so availability is less of an issue... it simply depends on how much money you're willing to expend for your bulbs and their care.

I tend to like a more porous mix because of my indoor climate... in summer, the AC is very drying, and in winter, there's also less humidity in the air... but there's also less air circulation than an outdoor situation, and I use supplemental artificial lighting. I have the time to devote to checking for moisture, watering and feeding, etc... so I prefer a mix that doesn't hold moisture for too long a period of time. I'm also lax in my re-potting schedule, so I want one that holds up well against decomposing and subsequent compaction.

In essence, what works for some folks won't work for others... so we have to spend a little time thinking about our situations, and tweaking what we have to make it right for our plants. It's taken me about 2 years to learn what I needed to know, and find the right solution through experimentation.

If nothing else, I hope all of the talk about mediums, both organic and inorganic, will make everyone think about how they grow their plants and bulbs... is it working optimally for you? And what can be done to improve it if it's not?

Tho't I might jump in here though I am no long a mixer. Over the years having read all the articles about mixing soils and trying many of the recommendation, I have become lazy and it works for me. So here is what I do and have had wonderful results, better than the mixes and drainage recommendations I have tried in the past.

I buy the big 3 cu foot bags of Stay Green at Lowes and use only that. The more expensive bag seems better to me but the plants don't seem to appreciate it any more.

Inside, I try to never water enough to make water come out the bottom holes. The plants will stay watered for up to a month in the winter if the humidity is high and not too much sunshine on the plants.

Outside, all summer they get watered, sometimes rain falls for 3-4 days and they are horribly saturated and no rotting. In the fall, I pull out the bulbs (1 gallon or bigger pots--I like tall) and usually find the soil hard to find for all the roots totally filling the pots, especially at the bottom. No rotting. If that packed with roots, they go in a large pot. If not, they stay in the same pot.

Inside, I remain a coward and am very careful with the watering. Works for me. I do believe fresh soil helps the growth, but it doesn't seems as important for amaryllis as for other plants. Just add some long-acting fertilizer.

I totally agree that the condition under which the plants are growing is extremely important so ones results don't necessarily translate to other places and circumstances.

I have written this for the lazy ones among us who may feel guilty not mixing soils. I have also found that the water may make a big difference, alkaline and hard or soft water like rain water. If using a mix with peat moss watch out for acid conditions after some time passes. If using hard water and not putting out in the summer, it is necessary to change soil occasionally, or put plants out in the rain to wash out the mineral buildup. This is important.

I have learned to like the summer rains. I think it helps to have good ground contact on plants outside in the summer. It draws out the extra moisture.

2/3 Miracle grow regular potting mix and 1/3 coarse perlite works for me.