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saxybill1
08-09-2016, 11:10 AM
I was advised that I could use something called stay-dri for the purpose of substituting sand. Sposedly it is made up of pumice, which is great, my one concern is that it contains a deodorizer. I'mean not sure if this would hard, the bananas. I look to you for advice and if any of you have used it for the same purpose.
Thanks in advance.

crazy banana
08-09-2016, 11:46 AM
There ars two products out there:
"Stall Dry" and "Dry Stall" but they are two different things used for the same purpose around horses and other animals.
I use the "Stall Dry" in the winter around my horse but have not used it in the garden. It has a sand like consistency, but it is made from granular clay and Diatomaceous Earth. These two components control the ammonia level by absorbing moisture and subsequently reducing the smell in a horse stall. I like (food grade!) Diatomaceous Earth a lot for bug and parasite control, but would not use it in my planting soil.
"Dry stall" looks more like cat litter and is a naturally volcanic aggregate. A 40 pound bag is about $20 here while a 40 pound bag of #4 pumice is about $18, so no gain there.

saxybill1
08-09-2016, 11:59 AM
So you are suggesting the use of stall dry to be ok?

saxybill1
08-09-2016, 12:00 PM
Oops, dry stall?

saxybill1
08-09-2016, 12:04 PM
Where can you get dry stall. Southern states has stall dry.

Tytaylor77
08-09-2016, 01:00 PM
I like perlite for anything potted. I only use sand for rooting rootless corms. Anytime I have transplanted a potted plant containing sand or anything similar it all falls apart and destroys lots of roots and root growth. Perlite keeps the soil fluffy and airy how bananas love it. It also lightens the weight of the pot. I don't pot many bananas but when I do I mix 50% normal potting soil and 50% perlite. I buy perlite at my local feed/farm store for about $13 for a huge 4cf bag. Not only the best option but also the cheapest. Perlite is volcanic material that is "popped" like popcorn.

I have found nothing better than perlite. Sunshine is the brand I get. If a feed store doesn't have it then a nursery would for sure.

crazy banana
08-09-2016, 01:51 PM
Where can you get dry stall. Southern states has stall dry.

Feed stores have it or can order it for you.

crazy banana
08-09-2016, 02:00 PM
So you are suggesting the use of stall dry to be ok?

Yes and no.
Yes, because it will definitely aerate your soil.
No, because it will absorb all the moisture quick, taking it away from the plant. It is no safety net though. Once it has absorbed all the water possible, you might still end up with root rot, just like with any other soil.

cincinnana
08-10-2016, 06:51 PM
The product your speaking about is a great soil amendment.

Napa auto parts makes a great product also....https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/NFC8822/NFC8822_0007855165
An incredible mix that this goes into is called ....

https://www.reddit.com/r/succulents/comments/1wr283/my_first_experience_with_gritty_mix_heres_the/

The Item with the red label is a stall dri type material.......from Napa Auto parts ........9.00 bucks for 50 lbs

If the product works for a couple
of seasons .....post your results.