Gritmix No.2 Seed Raising is expertly crafted to support the delicate needs of cactus and succulent seedlings.
Made with a proprietary blend of over six minerals, this 100% mineral mix ensures optimal drainage, aeration, and a stable environment for early root development. It’s also an excellent medium for rooting rot-prone cuttings and as a fine-grade mineral base for bonsai work.
Features
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Designed specifically for seed raising
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100% mineral-based for superior drainage
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Ideal for cactus, succulents, bonsai, and tropical species
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Perfect particle size to support delicate roots
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Blend of over 6 minerals for optimal structure
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Can be used alone or blended with compost or peat
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Sold by weight
Why You Should Buy
Gritmix No.2 takes the uncertainty out of propagation. Whether you’re sowing rare cactus seeds, rooting sensitive cuttings, or preparing mineral soil for bonsai, this fine-textured substrate provides the perfect foundation. It’s carefully blended to prevent overwatering and compaction—common issues in seed-starting. The result is a medium that supports healthy germination, rapid root growth, and successful establishment of even the most delicate plants.
Common Applications
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Seed starting for cactus and succulents
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Rooting rot-prone cuttings
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Bonsai mineral soil foundation
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Tropical species when mixed with organic material
FAQs
What exactly is Gritmix No.2 Seed Raising?
A fine-grade, 100% mineral substrate designed specifically for starting cactus and succulent seeds, rooting rot-prone cuttings, and as a mineral base layer for bonsai and other species that like sharp drainage.
What plants is the Gritmix No.2 best for?
Cactus and succulents (including Lithops/living stones), bonsai (as the mineral fraction), and rot-prone or woody cuttings. You can also blend it for tropical seedlings that still need good drainage.
Is Gritmix No.2 ready to use straight from the bag?
Yep—open the bag and go. No pre-mixing required for seed raising or cuttings.
Does Gritmix No.2 contain any compost, peat, coco, or bark?
Nope. It’s a pure mineral blend—no organics—so it drains fast and won’t get soggy.
What are the minerals?
A proprietary blend of more than six mineral components (think pumice/scoria-type grit, calcined/clay minerals, silica sands, etc.). The exact recipe is tuned for seedling root safety, aeration, and fast drainage.
Why is a pure mineral seed mix better for cactus/succulent seedlings?
Because tiny roots need tons of air and hate wet feet. A mineral medium dries predictably, resists compaction, and massively lowers damping-off and rot risk.
How is Gritmix No.2 different from a regular “cactus soil”?
Most “cactus soils” have a chunk of organic matter. No.2 is all mineral and much finer—optimized for seed raising and cuttings where uniform, fast drainage matters most.
Is the Gritmix No.2 suitable for mature plants too?
Use it straight for seedlings and cuttings. For established plants, either blend No.2 into a coarser cactus mix or step up to a coarser grit (e.g., a #1/coarser grit or a mineral + organic blend) so the pot doesn’t dry out too quickly.
Can I blend Gritmix No.2 with compost or peat?
Totally. For moisture-loving seedlings or tropical starts, cut in ~10–30% quality compost/peat/coco to slow the dry-down.
Is Gritmix No.2 fertilised?
No. It’s inert. Feed seedlings lightly once they’re up and growing (think weak, balanced liquid feed at 1/8–1/4 strength).
What’s the pH like?
Neutral-to-slightly-alkaline is typical for mineral grits. It’s not “limed.” If you’re chasing a specific pH, you can tweak with your water or amendments.
What particle size is the Gritmix No.2?
Fine, seed-grade grit—small enough to cradle delicate roots but not “dusty potting sand.” It screens out the fines that cause compaction.
Do I need to rinse the Gritmix No.2?
Not required for most use cases. If you see a little processing dust, a quick pre-wet or brief rinse is optional and can help reduce initial cloudiness.
Is Gritmix No.2 sterile?
It’s clean, inert mineral—no composty biology. If you need lab-level sterilisation (e.g., ultra-sensitive Lithops sowings), you can oven-pasteurise or boil and dry—optional, not mandatory for general use.
How do I sow cactus/Lithops seed in it?
Fill the pot or tray, level, pre-wet thoroughly, sow on the surface (don’t bury dust-fine seed), and top with a whisper of fine grit or sand to pin seeds. Keep evenly moist with a dome/humidity lid and bright light.
Bottom-water or top-water?
Bottom-water for germination and early weeks (less disturbance). Once rooted, switch to gentle top-ups as needed.
How often should I water seedlings in the Gritmix No.2 mix?
Keep it evenly moist—not waterlogged—until germination and first set of true spines/leaves. Then let the top few mm dry between waterings. Frequency depends on pot size, airflow, and light—check daily, water as needed.
Will Gritmix No.2 help with fungus gnats and damping-off?
Yes. No organics = fewer gnat party vibes, and the fast drainage plus aeration lowers damping-off pressure.
Good for rot-prone cuttings (Ariocarpus, etc.)?
That’s exactly the use case. Stick the callused cutting in slightly damp No.2, keep warmth and airflow high, and go easy on water until roots form.
Can I use Gritmix No.2 for Mexican Pinguicula (butterworts)?
Many growers do well with mineral-heavy mixes for pings. If your water is soft and your environment dry, No.2 straight or with a small addition of limestone/shell grit can work. If you keep them wetter, blend in a modest organic fraction.
How do I use Gritmix No.2 mix for bonsai?
Use No.2 as the fine mineral base in shohin/mame sizes or for seedling/plug establishment. Blend with akadama/pumice/lava or your standard bonsai recipe to hit your species and climate targets.
Does Gritmix No.2 compact over time?
No. That’s the point of a mineral seed mix—structure holds up, porosity stays open.
What size bag should I get?
1.5 kg for small trays and test runs; 4.5 kg if you’re sowing multiple batches or want spare for cuttings/top-dressing.
How far does a bag go?
Rule of thumb: 1.5 kg fills roughly 2–3 seed trays or 8–12 small 5–7 cm pots, depending on pot depth and how tightly you fill.
Is Gritmix No.2 mix “sold by volume” or “by weight”?
By weight. That keeps things consistent despite mineral density differences.
Safe for terrariums?
As a drainage layer or mineral cap, yes. For the root zone, remember it’s very free-draining; most terrariums skew humid, so blend with organics if the plant requires it.
Indoor grow lights okay?
Perfect. Mineral mixes shine under high light and airflow because they dry predictably and keep roots oxygenated.
Do I need a top-dress?
Optional but useful. A 3–5 mm layer of fine grit on top reduces algae, stabilises seed, and keeps cotyledons clean.
Can I reuse after a crop?
Yes—dump, rinse, and bake/steam to sanitise. Sift out roots/algae, re-blend if you’ve lost fines, and it’s good to go.
Does Gritmix No.2 work with heat mats and humidity domes?
Yep. Just watch moisture—domes trap humidity, so vent daily to prevent algae, and let the surface dry slightly between mists.
What if seedlings seem to stall?
Usually they’re hungry or too cool. Start very light feeding, bump temps to 22–28 °C, and ensure bright light without cooking them.
Will Gritmix No.2 dry “too fast” in tiny pots?
In very small cells, yes—by design. Either water little-and-often, cluster pots to slow airflow, or blend in 10–20% fine organic to extend moisture.
Can I add perlite or pumice?
You can, but No.2 already delivers the aeration you’re chasing. If you’re tweaking, keep additions modest so you don’t change the seed-grade texture.
Any tips for Lithops specifically?
Keep the surface clean and bright, water lightly and consistently until their first true “body” forms, then start giving longer dry intervals. Avoid peat-heavy blends; this mineral base is ideal.
Good as a bonsai sifted “fines” fraction?
Yes—great for shohin/mame, seedlings, and species that prefer smaller aggregate. Pair with your standard akadama/pumice/lava framework.
Is Gritmix No.2 mix pet-safe?
It’s inert rock. Don’t let pets ingest it, obviously, but there are no fertilisers or pesticides in the mix.
Storage and shelf life?
Unlimited if kept dry and sealed. It won’t go “off” like compost can.
Any shipping quirks?
It’s dense (it’s rock), so factor weight for freight. Click & Collect is available from Bellambi if you’re local.
TL;DR—when should I choose Gritmix No.2?
When you’re sowing cactus/succulent seed, rooting sensitive cuttings, or building a fine, fast-draining mineral base for bonsai or other fussy species—and you want predictable moisture, no compaction, and very low rot risk.
