Please help, Getting worse by each day.

9 years ago

So I went to Lowes today and bought this pavenment sand to eventually mix. I hope this is okay since its slightly coarse and hopefully doesn't have salt. [url]http://www.lowes.com/pd_100166-29629-339501079_0__?productId=3459738&Ntt=sand&pl=1ÃÂ¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dsand&facetInfo=[/url]
Edit I learned that paver sand is the worst, what sand can I get from walmart, lowes, or home depot that will work?
Edit: Is this sand okay?
http://www.lowes.com/pd_98545-286-115251_4294858246__?productId=3048145&Ns=p_product_qty_sales_dollar:1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_product_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo=
Home depot has more description and says "Quikrete 50 lb. All-Purpose Sand features a washed coarse sand that can be used as underlayment for brick pavers and flagstone"
and for the 70lb bag it says "This sand is perfect for landscaping, gardening and patio projects."
Unfortuantely my aloe vera plants are already near dying because they are rotting.
So I uprooted them to get a good look and tried to cut away the rot, did I do a good enough job?
There's one of them with roots that are brown, but seeing as how it is the only one with roots I didn't want to cut them off.
Also Can I use these as cuttings? How long should I let them dry and callous before they start dying again? What ratio of sand to regular potting soil should I use?

This post was edited by HydrophobicPups on Thu, Jul 10, 14 at 13:35

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Comments (6)

greenman28 NorCal 7b/8a
9 years ago
Take the sand back. Highly unadvised in a container potting mix.

Josh
HydrophobicPups
Original Author
9 years ago
Thank you so much josh, I checked it up on the internet and it's said that paver's sand is no good and I will be returning that bag then.
Where can I get sand that works for plants?
I need to know before I try to replant the plants ><.>

This post was edited by HydrophobicPups on Thu, Jul 10, 14 at 13:27
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pirate_girl
9 years ago
You can't, sorry, sand is terrible for plants & we usually advise against it.

You could get some perlite & use Cactus & Succulent (C&S for short) mix 50/50 w/ perlite, that'll be fine for succulents in general, Aloes in particular.

Sorry, one can't grow more Aloes from leaves, one needs a division or rosette (from which both roots & leaves will grow).

Get some plain cinnamon, sprinkle it on the base of the remaining Aloe w/ roots, shake off the excess & set it aside for 4 days at least, no water & leave it be. After that you could pot in mix I suggested above in smallest possible clay pot. DON"T WATER for at least a week.

The cinnamon is a natural antifungal, so the idea is to hold off rot long enough for the plant to root & get going.

Good luck, hope it makes it.
HydrophobicPups
Original Author
9 years ago
If you say all sand is always bad for plants I think you're mistaken.
pirate_girl
9 years ago
Unless it's very COARSE sand, it tends to be a problem.

Many here have experienced this, we've also seen lots of folks come here to fix the effects they've suffered from it; but you're welcome of course, to believe what ever you wish.

AND, you're welcome for my detailed rescue suggestions & good wishes.
brodyjames_gw
9 years ago
Imagine a sand castle. How does it stay together? It's made with wet sand and takes a while to dry out.

How does a succulent survive? It stores water in it's leaves so that it is able to withstand a drought. Excess water, especially around the roots, can make it rot.

Ergo, when you water a mix that contains sand, it stays wet too long and aids in rotting roots. The plant needs a fast draining mix and sand impedes draining.

Nancy